Chapter 8 Dreams and Acceptance

Hao awoke in a meadow in the middle of a forest, the morning dew on the grass bringing him to his senses. As he rose and took notice of the world around him, Hao realised that he was no longer in the Asakura residence in Tokyo, but instead in a forest. Slowly he got up and began walking. Though having no idea where he was going, he knew he was heading towards people, for Hao could hear them in the distance. Hao was surprised when he exited the forest for the house he saw before him was his childhood home, his first childhood home; the Asakura Family household. As he began walking towards it Hao realised no one could see him and that he passed through the people and objects, yet he wasn't a spirit because if he was everyone should still have been able to see him. Entering the house Hao began walking in, not knowing where his feet were taking him. As he reached the steps that lead outside he realized that he was heading for his favorite part of the house, the koi pond. Suddenly Hao heard a girl's voice call out,

"Hao-kun, hayaku!" suprised that someone called his name Hao scanned the mass of people in hopes of finding the person that called him.

"You're taking to long Hao! Come on I want to say hi to the fish." Then he saw a girl running towards his direction. There was no mistaking who the girl was. Though younger, she still had the same long brown hair with red highlights and the same golden-eyes. Just as Hao was about to call out her name someone else beat him to the punch.

"Chotto matte, Kira-chan!" called out Hao from his first life, younger like Kira.

Chibi-Kira slowed down to a stop as she and Chibi-Hao raced past Hao towards the koi pond.

"Ohayo, minna! Did you miss me?" Chibi-Kira called out lovingly to the koi as they swam to the edge of the pond.

"Kira-chan, you don't really belive that they can understand you, do you?" said Chibi-Hao skeptically.

"Nani, of course they can understand me. Everything has a spirit, so even if they can't understand my words they will be able to understand my soul." Chibi-Kira said wisely, then paused to look at a fish nipping at her finger, "Hai, hai. I know you are hungry. Hold on okay." she said to the koi and began sprinkling bread crumbs over the pond.

Chibi-Hao just looked at her then said, "You know I think they only come to you because they know you have food for them."

"That's not the only reason they come to me. They come to me because they know I love them, and they love me too." Chibi-Kira paused and pointed to a fish that jumped out of the water then said, "See they jump because they're happy to see me."

:Odd, I don't remember this from my past life. I don't remember being this happy and carefree. My childhood was nothing like this, I was always so lonely and unhappy.: Hao thought as he watched the interaction between himself and Chibi-Kira. Suddenly all movement around Hao slowed as he watched the koi fall towards the water and stop in mid-air. Confused, Hao stood up and looked around him. He noticed that all movement around him stopped. As he turned his head towards Chibi-Kira and Chibi-Hao he noticed Chibi-Kira's eyes shift. Suddenly she blinked then turned towards Hao, carefree expression on her face replaced by a look of anger.

"Why are you here?" She asked coldly

At first he was startled that she could see him, then forced out, "What do you mean? I just woke up and found myself here."

Chibi-Kira's expression softened slightly but remained indifferent and said, "Go, go back and forget about what you have seen here Hao. Do not speak or think about this, if you don't I will no longer be able to help you."

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"HAO!"

Hao was abruptly woken up by someone yelling his name. Looking around the room, he saw Yoh looking at him worriedly.

"Yoh," Hao groaned and glanced towards the clock, "what do you want at two in the morning?"

"You were turning and tossing in your sleep violently, I was worried." explained Yoh, relief written on his face.

Finally Hao noticed one side of Yoh's face reddening, "Did I hit you?"

Instantly Yoh's hand rose to his face, "Oh this? Don't worry about it."

Guiltily Hao said, while looking down, "Gomen." What do I have to be sorry about? I shouldn't be feeling guilty that I hit Yoh.

Momentarily shocked, Yoh just smiled warmly at Hao and replied, "Nani, I said that you don't need to worry about it. I've suffered worse, and it was an accident." Yoh finished, but then continued as Hao was about to say something, "And don't ask why I'm being so nice to you. After all that's what brothers are for."

Hao's eyes widened at Yoh's honest commen then relaxed as he thought I suppose he is right. We are brothers after all. Yoh and I are brothers...that sounds nice. Hao looked at Yoh for a second then smiled, not a smirk or maniacal grin, but a true genuine, down-to-earth smile filled with warmth and gratitude, "Thank-you Yoh. As you can see I'm okay and right now I just want to go back to sleep."

Yoh nodded in agreement with a serene smile on his face and returned to his futon. With his back still towards Yoh, Hao hesitantly said, "Yoh?"

"Nani, Hao?"

"I just thought you'd like to know, I think you make a good brother an I'm glad you're my otouto." then Hao added jokingly, "Although I wouldn't expect any less from my other half."

Yoh smiled to himself and said, "Thank-you Hao."

Confused Hao asked, "For what?"

"For accepting me as me and your brother."

"Oh, you're welcome then."

"Oyasumi nasai, Hao-onisan."

Hao's eyes widened for a moment for that was the first time Yoh had called him 'oni-san', then relaxed and said, "Oyasumi, Yoh-Otouto."

-----Meanwhile in Kira's room-----
Kira was slumped against her door drenched in a cold sweat, her hair limp and clinging to exposed skin. I have to be more careful. He's remembering, but how? I haven't provoked him in anyway yet, atleast not to my knowledge. Kira then shakily got up and walked towards her futon. Laying down she eventually fell into a fitful sleep. I hope Hao leaves this matter alone. Kira thought just before sleep overtook her.

Tbc...
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Ah cliffie! I'm sorry. I was going to put this along with the next chapter, but it really didn't fit right. I'll try to update soon.

Review Please.