Entwined by Fate
Chapter One

Twelve Years later

The silent teen snickered inwardly as he carefully made his way down the darkened hallway. In one hand he held the string of a balloon, the object floating behind him. His other hand sported a tiny needle, the smirk plastered on his face indicating the course of attack he was about to take.

He slipped into the lone room at the end of the hall, noting the one person sitting motionless except for the faint tapping of computer keys as the man typed at his desk. The intruder tugged the balloon down; the needle positioned an inch from it.

Do you really want me to throw you out the window, Tatsuha?

The teen pouted, letting the helium filled object rise to the ceiling. He knew he would never get away with the action but enjoyed bugging his older brother when he was actually home. He really needs to live a little. All he does is lock himself away in his small apartment and type.'

You're no fun, Yuki. You need to get out more and do something exciting for once, the younger individual pointed out.

The blonde just shrugged as he returned to his work. Tatsuha refused to allow the young man's cold demeanor to deter him, flopping down on the bed in the room.

I suppose I should be grateful you actually came today for my birthday. Mika was really happy about that. I swear she worries way too much. With you gone she treats me even more like a child. I'm seventeen now, do I look ten years old to you? he complained, knowing that even though Yuki didn't answer he was listening.

Not that you really stayed long at the party. You came late, handed me my present, ate a sliver of cake because Mika made you, and then hid in your room. You really should have stayed longer. Mika tried to make a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds play pin the tail on the donkey. That was good for a barrel of laughs.

The blonde sighed faintly as he let his brother ramble on about everything that happened at the party. Why am I here again?'

He was so glad he was out of the house now. Even though his brother was loud his sister was the one that drove him insane. She always wanted to know if he was healthy and happy, constantly trying to mother both her younger brothers.

Yuki supposed he didn't give Mika enough credit. She had been taking care of both boys ever since their mother died when Tatsuha was six years old. She'd taken care of their father when he became ill three years ago and finally took full responsibility of the house and family when he passed away a year later. She put off marrying and having children of her own to watch Tatsuha.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you. K called earlier. He said he had a present for me, although we already know what it's going to be, the black haired teen exclaimed.

Yuki allowed a brief smile to grace his lips before it vanished. He never understood why the long-haired man took an interest him years ago, and became his friend but he was quietly grateful. It was good to at least have one friend to converse with, someone to talk him out of negative feelings he always seemed to have. Sure K's constant obsession with guns scared most people but Yuki refused to let it get to him. At least he knew he would always be safe with the long-haired man around.

I swear Yuki if I have to stick one more squirt gun in my closet I'm going to scream, the young teen remarked.

I better get ready to plug my ears then.

Tatsuha sighed as he clutched the pillow on the bed, slipping it under his head. Must he always do this every year? He doesn't give you toy guns.

He gives me real guns. Which I'm sure you'll get too as soon as you turn 18. You'll also get several different kinds of knives for that matter. K is very thorough in weaponry, Yuki stated.

I know and once again I wonder why you hang out with him so much? the black haired teen inquired, not really expecting an answer. Therefore he wasn't shocked when the only response was a shrug.

You have fun with your insane friend. I'm going out for a bit, Tatsuha announced suddenly.

Yuki frowned at the notion, recalling how worried their sister had been at their younger brother's strange behavior of late. He'd been slipping out of the house every day with no explanation as to where he was headed. If Mika asked about the excursions the teen would just shrug it off, claiming she was being paranoid.

Where are you sneaking off to? Yuki questioned.

Just out, the black haired teen answered, fiddling with the pillow.

I swear Tatsuha if you're getting into something like drugs or alcohol I'll beat you black and blue, Yuki warned.

His brother gave him a look of disgust before responding, Oh please Yuki. You know I'm smarter than that. Although like you could really talk. You drink and smoke all the time.

Yes but I'm of legal age. Plus it's a nasty habit. Trust me you really don't want to start. It's almost impossible to stop afterwards, the blonde remarked.

I know, I've heard this speech enough for Mika. Don't worry about it. I would rather keep my body healthy thank you very much.

If it's not that then why do you keep sneaking out? Yuki inquired.

I'm not sneaking out. I just happen to like going out. I'm not doing anything wrong so no one should worry about it, Tatsuha exclaimed, quickly rising from the bed. He made hi way over to the door. Thanks for coming to the party Yuki. I'll see you later if you're still here and if not then the next time you visit home. With that said the black haired teen exited.

Yuki turned back to the computer, hands posed over the keyboard. His golden eyes stared blankly at the screen for a minute before he sighed. That boy is up to something. I just know it. And I'm going to figure out what.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Coast is clear. Move over to the next checkpoint and wait for my cue to proceed, a voice ordered, pushing the blonde forward.

Yuki sighed as he moved behind the building, rubbing his forehead. Why didn't I bring aspirin? And what the hell possessed me to invite K along?' He simply wanted to discover where his brother had gone and the long-haired young man had turned the action into a high-tech search and destroy mission.

K posed in the alley of a building across from him, gun out and cocked as he scanned the area in front an behind them. He then gestured Yuki to move again, pointing to another alley down the block. Maybe he'll get spooked and shoot me instead,' the blonde silently wished.

Yuki followed his instructions praying they would find his brother soon. Does K even have a clue where to look?' After following the same pattern for a dozen blocks Yuki finally gave up, walking over to K.

This is getting us nowhere. This is not a military operation. We're just trying to find my brother, the blonde protested.

K's gaze fixed on his friend for several moments before he lowered the gun.

Do you want this done right or do you want it done fast? he inquired.

Anything has to be faster than how we're looking now, Yuki exclaimed.

The long-haired individual grinned widely before presenting Yuki with a thumbs up. Leave it all to me, he remarked before walking out into the quiet street.

I probably shouldn't have told him that, the younger man murmured.

K glanced around the town at the various apartment buildings. He then aimed his gun towards the sky firing off five quick shoots in succession. Yuki flinched, wondering if the man had finally snapped. Moments later a window slid opened, the man at it glaring.

Damn it K! I told you to go to the door and knock if you need someone. You woke up the baby! the man hollered.

The blonde grinned, lowering the gun. This way is quicker though, he pointed out.

Another window opened, this time a woman stuck her head out. Hello K. How are you doing? she asked politely.

Yuki sighed, feeling yet another headache coming on. He wasn't sure what was worse; the fact that this man was actually his best friend or that the neighborhood was so used to him that wild gunshots didn't phase most of them.

I'm doing quite well ma'am. I have a question to ask. Has anyone seen Yuki's brother? K inquired.

Tatsuha? I haven't seen him since I picked up my kids from his party, the woman answered, but I'll ask my husband if he has.

The other individual who was questioned gave a negative response as well. The woman returned an instant later.

My husband says he saw Tatsuha not that long ago. He was heading towards the pier.

K glanced at Yuki, noticing how his blonde friend stiffened at the news. He knew what had occurred when Yuki was a child but never understood why the man couldn't just get over it. What happened was tragic but that didn't mean going to any of the piers or thoughts of the lands below were wrong. Yuki constantly tried to force his brother away from ideas of the other world but only worked at making him more curious. Not that K blamed the teen. He himself wanted to visit the other world someday. He knew that Yuki would throw a fit though. The other world had nothing to do with the child's death. The children should have been watched or else fencing placed around the piers. Yuki needs to learn from the mistake, not fear everything that was related to it.' K inwardly laughed at the idea. He knew that Yuki was a creature of habit, once set in his way he would never change. His friend had been accustomed to the younger man's quirks, as Yuki has become used to his.

Thanks everyone. Have a nice day, K exclaimed as he made his way back to Yuki.

Damn Tatsuha. I told him repeatedly to stay away from there, the blonde murmured.

K sighed quietly before patting his friend on the shoulder. You told him not to so you should know that he would. That's what teenagers do.

Both men made their way through the town, heading towards the outskirts. When they finally reached the deserted pier K's eyes widened in surprise at what he saw. Attached to the fencing that had been put up recently was a complexed series of pulleys and rope, which worked to keep a wooden boat suspended above the drop below.

Well didn't expect that at all, K stated calmly, Didn't think your brother had it in him.

Yuki yelled, his face red in anger. His fists clenched together tightly at his sides.

The black haired teen's head shot up in the air. His eyes widened like a deer in headlights.

Hi brother. What are you doing here? the teen hesitantly questioned.

I'd say he's getting ready to kick your butt. It was nice knowing you, K commented.

I'll cut the rope and hide in the other world so he can't get me, Tatsuha countered.

Well I suppose you have a point there, K added with a laugh. He quickly reached the fence and began climbing. Can that boat of yours hold me?

Sure it can. I built it strong to survive the drop into rough waters, the teen answered.

When K reached the top of the metal structure he shifted his legs over dropping into the boat. The object jerked slightly with the added weight, but the ropes held sound. The long-haired blonde carefully inspected the craft, checking the wood work.

You did a great job, Tatsuha. The boat seems very sound. You could be a carpenter, K remarked.

I can't believe either of you! Yuki hollered, finally snapping out of rage induced haze.

He really needs to learn to loosen up a bit, K stated calmly.

I agree. You should help him work on that. He's your friend, the black haired individual exclaimed.

He's your brother though, K added.

Yes but that's not something I can control. You however chose to be his friend, Tatsuha pointed out.

I'll kill both of you later. Just get out of the boat now. What if that rope breaks? Yuki snapped.

The blonde in the craft reached over to the two side by side ropes holding the structure in the air. He yanked at them for a moment.

They're not breaking. The only way we'll fall is if the ropes are cut, K informed.

I kind of like living so I think I'll stay here. That way I won't be killed, Tatsuha remarked.

Yuki glared at both of them. I can't believe K is doing this. My brother I understand but K's my friend. He should be siding with me.' The blonde quickly realized how ridiculous the idea sounded. He knew K was eccentric; he would do whatever he wanted no matter who agreed or disagreed with him.

I guess if you want to hurt your brother you'll have to climb in here and get us, K taunted.

Golden eyes narrowed at the long-haired man's tone of voice. He's planning something I just know it.' Despite Yuki's uneasiness he slowly made his way forward, climbing the fence. He refused to glance down, focusing intently on the fence until his feet hit the wooden structure. K carefully aided his friend, setting him firmly in the craft. As soon as the blonde was sure he was down he opened his eyes, his gaze shooting daggers at his younger brother.

K save me! Tatsuha cried out, hiding behind the other individual, I'm sure you've got something on you that can protect me. A gun, knife, grenade, tank, something!

Yuki rolled his eyes. A tank?

I don't know. I was desperate. You know me I tend to talk just to hear myself, the younger man remarked.

I can understand why you made the boat Tatsuha, K said suddenly his eyes gazing downward.

That was kind of random, the youngest individual commented, But it would be quite an adventure to go down there. The thrill of the unknown. I don't understand why you're so against the other world, Yuki and don't use what happened when you were younger as an excuse because that was an accident.

Yuki opened his mouth to reply but closed it when he realized he didn't know the answer. Every time he glanced down at the swirling water he would hear the scream of terror as his childhood friend fell from the railing, gone forever from his life. He knew the other world wasn't at fault but he had to blame something. To fully forgive the ocean below would force him to place all the blame where it truly belonged on him. Maybe if he had never become friends with the hyperactive boy he might still be alive. He, as the older child, should have known sitting on the railing was dangerous. Yuki jerked when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder, offering comfort when it was clearly needed.

It's not your fault either brother. These things happen. No one can control the way fate works. Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Since when did you become so philosophical? Yuki asked.

Tatsuha pouted before replying, Hey I do know how to use my brain you know? I'm not a complete idiot. I also know that we've been told countless times that the other world is dangerous but I don't care. I want to see what its like. There's this whole different culture down there that I've only gotten a glimpse of. Aren't you interested in seeing what's out there Yuki?

Not really, his brother commented nonchalantly.

Well I think it would be good for you to get down there. It might make you open up more and not have such reservations about the other world, K exclaimed loudly.

The long-haired individual glanced at them both, a large grin spreading across his face.

Yuki? You know how your brother spoke about fate and sitting back for the ride?

I really don't like where this is heading.' The golden-eyed man hesitantly nodded.

Better prepare yourself for a bumpy ride then, K laughed and before either brother could react pulled a dagger quickly from a hidden strap against his middle leg, slicing the two ropes that held the craft suspended.
______________________________________

TBC

I just have to thank Yasha Misaki and MissyIrene for reviewing. *glomps them both* It makes me happy that others are enjoying what I've written and I hope you enjoy it more as future chapters come out. ^^