AN: Just a quick cultural note. Compulsory education ends with middle school in Japan (grade 9 here). Considering that shinobi are raised the way they are, I find it hard to believe that the characters had high school education, even if you can unlock their high school uniform costumes. I'm going to assume that's all fan-service. Standard disclaimers apply.

Ryu dodged yet again and this time indulged in the taunt he had been biting back.  "Missed again!  You must be getting slow, old man!"

His once mentor and now sparring partner made a small grimace of annoyance and continued his furious attacks.  But Ryu, with youth or skill or a combination of both, managed to keep ahead, dodging them all.  And still, he retreated, until his back was dangerously close to the truck of a tree and it seemed as the elder's victory was assured.  But when he went in for the finishing move, he was surprised to find only a fistful of gentle sakura petals, and gaped openly at the gentle shower surrounding him, though no sakura trees were nearby.  By the time he remembered himself, he felt the bruising force colliding into the small of his back, sending him sprawling into the ground and winding up with a mouthful of sand.

The veteran warrior spat out the gravelly feeling in disgust and picked himself off the ground to face the triumphant Ryu.  The elder man grimaced and wanted nothing more than to wipe that smirk off his former student's face, but grudgingly said, "Your skills have improved most rapidly as of late."  Ryu bowed his head in thanks.  "But do not let this go to your head!" he added sternly with a good thump to the said proffered subject.  Ryu rubbed his head ruefully, but properly repentant, thanked his master for the match and departed for where no one in the clan really knew.

The older man watched Ryu's fast disappearing form and sighed.  What he said was no lie: the boy's skills improved rapidly daily.  He had almost beat everyone in the entire clan, and the potential to become the most promising leader the Dragon clan ever had was definitely there.  And his sense of justice had if anything grown stronger and bolder.  But somewhere along the way Ryu was losing the single-minded focus he had carried with him so well from his childhood.  He wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

His musings were cut short when he felt heard the light footfalls he recognized as the current clan head's, his dear friend and Ryu's father.  Ken Hayabusa glanced at the spot where the long gone boy had been and asked briefly, "Was that Ryu?"

He nodded.  "He's gone again."

Hayabusa grunted but said, "Never mind.  Maybe that's for the better.  I have something important to discuss with you."

His friend moistened his dry lips but didn't miss a beat.  "About the disappearances?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his leader nod.  "From China, this time.  One of the leading masters of Taijiquan."

"That would be the fifth disappearance in the past two months?"

Another nod.  "It can't be a coincidence.  And this isn't just some fool's fancy.  There's rumors of foul play."

The old man's face hardened.  "I don't like this.  I don't like this at all."

Hayate glanced up briefly from the stick he was whittling.  "You're late," was all he said.

Ryu shrugged and sat down heavily next to him on the veranda.  "Couldn't be helped.  One of the elders wanted a sparring match.  Where's Kasumi?"

"I dunno.  She went out earlier today with Hayashi for some training."

Ryu started.  "What?"

"What's wrong?"

Ryu remembered Hayashi.  He was one of the ones teasing Ayane the first day he visited the Mugen Tenshin.  And lately, Ryu remembered Hayashi's eyes following Kasumi constantly.  "I don't like Hayashi," he finally said, sullenly.

Hayate snorted.  "I don't either, but he's still Mugen Tenshin.  On top of that, they're the same level, so it makes sense for them to train together."

Ryu didn't find that very reassuring.

"Anyway," Hayate said, "you said you found out about Fame Douglas."

That snapped Ryu out of his reverie.  "Oh!  Right."  He fumbled around in his pouch and pulled out a crinkled newspaper clipping and showed it to Hayate.  "He's actually quite famous, so there's a lot of information on him.  Former U.S. General who served in the last Big War, and considering how that turned out, he's a big hero there.  He retired from active military duty shortly after and became a U.S. ambassador, and has probably visited every country in the world several times.  He also holds great ties to one of the largest genetics labs in the world as one of its biggest investors and founders.  Over the years, the company has sponsored several martial arts competitions all over the world under his authorization."

As Ryu related what he knew, Hayate's eyes quickly scanned the article, confirming most of Ryu's information.  "DOATEC?"

"Douglas' lab."

Hayate's brow furrowed in consternation.  Something about all this struck him as odd.  "Does it say why he's so interested in martial arts?"

Ryu shook his head.  "All I know is that he's hailed as a kind of patron saint to the 'deadliest of arts' or something like that."

Hayate frowned.  "I don't get it.  Just what is he after?"

Ryu glanced questioningly at his friend but didn't get the chance to ask what he meant, because at that moment a breathless Hayashi came running up.

"Hayashi?  Where's—"

"Hayate-san!" Hayashi gasped.  "Come quickly!  Kasumi-san and Ayane are fighting in the square!"  And with that, he took off, leading the way.

The two elder shinobi just stared after him for a moment.  "So what's all the fuss?" Ryu asked.

"Beats me," Hayate said, "Kasumi can hold her own against Ayane any day."  So saying, he got up leisurely and said, "Should we go watch?"

Ryu shrugged and merely followed.

The fight was indeed in full swing by the time they got there.  The two female combatants had already attracted quite a crowd that had formed a circle around them, watching intently and cheering on their favorite.  Actually, Ryu noticed, it was mostly people cheering on Kasumi.

            The fight must have been going for a while.  Ryu saw that Kasumi's face tinged with the rising dust their fight was creating, and the disheveled disarray of her gi, her sweat causing it to stick to her back, and the front was dangerously close to losing their tenuous position.  Ryu couldn't help but notice that Kasumi was quite the "early bloomer."  He shook his head to clear it.  He should be focusing on the fight.  Not…er, yeah, the fight. 

            Kasumi and Ayane were superb fighters, like the high-ranking kunoichi they were.  Their actions were precise with nothing held back.  Kasumi retreated a particularly vicious attack and was greeted with bursts of cheers and applause (and some boo-ing for Ayane). 

            Ryu clapped along with the rest of the crowd, but Hayate merely muttered, "Why isn't she fighting?  If she was serious this fight would be over by now."  Ryu said nothing and instead continued to watch as Kasumi dodged yet another attack, giving way to Ayane's aggressive offense.

            "C'mon, Kasumi-san!"

            "Get her, Kasumi-chan!"

            "You can do it!"

            Even Hayate offered, "Kasumi, finish her!"  Ryu noticed at Hayate's voice, Ayane's shoulders tensed momentarily, before she focused all her energies at attacking her opponent with renewed vigor.

            The crowd alternately groaned or whistled in astonishment at the deft block Ayane landed against Kasumi followed by a nearly successful flip, but no one seemed to acknowledge at least out loud the merit of the move.  Deciding he was finding this spectacle a tad unsportsman-like, Ryu decided to go for broke: "Ayane, ganbare!"

            The result was unexpected.  Not only was he greeted with a brief bout of silence around him, but Kasumi's head snapped up and she stared at him for a moment, shocked.  Taking advantage of her opponent's loss of focus, Ayane quickly hooked a boot behind Kasumi's leg, sending her flying onto her back, and before she even hit the ground, Ayane followed up her attack by launching herself after, slamming her entire weight braced on her knee into Kasumi's vulnerable stomach.  Ayane felt a surge of triumph at hearing the whoosh of air forced out of Kasumi, and noticed with even a greater feeling of triumph that her opponent did not get up again.

            "Kasumi-san!" Hayashi was at her side in an instant, helping her up gently, all the while glaring daggers at Ayane.  "That was a dirty trick, pushing an opportunity like that!" he sneered.  "You wouldn't have won on normal circumstances."

"It's her fault that she lost focus," Ayane snapped.  "Any child knows not to do that, and it's a disgrace that the daughter of the Mugen Tenshin leader," Ayane practically spat the words, choking on them as if they were made of the most bitter bile, "gets distracted so easily.  She deserved what she got!"

"You're nothing compared to Kasumi-san, trash!" Hayashi cried, standing angrily.  Ayane readied herself in preparation for the confrontation.  She was going to make him eat those words.

"Enough," Hayate said, quickly coming between the two would-be combatants.  "Ayane won fairly," he said nodding his head in the Ayane's direction, but failed to notice the gratification in those eyes at even at such a minute gesture from him.

"But, Hayate-san!"

Hayashi's protests were silenced with a glare that brooked no argument.  "Kasumi was careless, and this will serve as a good lesson for her," he said, voice cold as ice.  No one said anything.

He didn't bother acknowledging Hayashi's submissive bow and instead brushed past him to the girl sitting up on the ground and knelt by her.  "Are you all right?" he asked gently.  Kasumi nodded but winced and rubbed her sore abdomen.  "Come on, let's get you home," he said, helping her up.  And though she managed to stand shakily, she at once threatened to wobble over.  Ryu was instantly at her side, putting a hand on her back to steady her.  Hayate crouched, back towards her, and she clambered on wearily.  Once she was comfortably settled piggy-backed, Hayate slowly stood and the three carefully made their way home, the crowd parting to let them through, and slowly filing out after them, leaving the lone victor to watch the slowly dissipating crowd.

Hayate gave one last look at the sleeping girl before sliding the door shut and joining his friend out in the verandah.  "We'll just let her sleep, shall we?"

            Ryu nodded.  "She must be exhausted.  She fell asleep on the way here."

            "Well, she did go training with Hayashi before she fought Ayane.  It's no wonder she lost."

            Ryu frowned at that comment.  "You're awfully hard on her."

            "Who?  Kasumi?"

            "No, Ayane."

            Hayate cast a sidelong glance at Ryu.  "Are you saying Kasumi would've lost anyway?"

            Ryu shook his head emphatically.  "No!  Kasumi would obviously win if she was at full strength.  But Ayane deserves some credit for holding her own."

            "I know that!" Hayate snapped.  "She's a great fighter.  She's just not as good as Kasumi is."

            "I know!" Ryu said impatiently.  "But it wouldn't hurt if you stopped antagonizing her every now and then.  Lord knows the rest of your clan does it enough."

            "Antagonize?"  Hayate's eyes flashed at the insinuation.  "I've always shown Ayane the same respect I'd give to any great fighter!"

            Ryu shook his head.  "God, you're so blind," he muttered.

            "What?"

            "No, nothing."

            "What did you mean, Hayabusa?"

            "I mean you hate Ayane because she bullies Kasumi, but you're probably the reason why she does it!"

            Hayate blinked, going from disbelief to anger.  "Wha…what the he—"

            But Ryu continued on without giving Hayate a chance to interject.  "Oh, come on.  If the Mugen Tenshin were like some other clans and you had to choose only one sibling to succeed you, you wouldn't hesitate which sister to take the knife to."

            Hayate flushed, but couldn't (or perhaps because he couldn't) deny it.

"She's your sister, Hayate.  You said it yourself."

"I know that!" Hayate snapped.

"Then it wouldn't hurt if you acted like it sometimes," Ryu shot back.

Hayate opened his mouth to reply but quickly snapped it shut again.  Finally, he said, "You don't know what you're talking about."  Then, after stewing in heated silence for a moment longer, abruptly stood up and stalked off.

Ryu watched his friend leave and heaved a sigh.  The Mugen Tenshin were so stubborn.  And he did deserve to hear it.  But he couldn't help feel a certain measure of regret at having maybe overstepped his boundaries.  Was that justified?  Ryu wrestled mentally with these uncomfortable thoughts until he heard the door slide open, revealing a slightly disheveled, and very tired Kasumi.

She seemed surprised to see only Ryu standing there.  "Where's Nii-san?"

Ryu shifted uncomfortably.  "He…ah…went to go clear his head a bit."

"Oh," she said, her voice so quiet he almost didn't hear it.

Once again, Ryu felt like a jerk, and he had no idea why.  "Uh…are…your injuries better?"  As soon as he said it he smacked himself upside the head mentally.  That's the best you can do?

She gave him a weak smile.  "I'm still sore, but I think I'll live."  Almost immediately her expression became subdued.  "Is…Nii-san mad at me?"

"What?  No!  Nothing like that!" he was quick to reassure her.  "We just had a disagreement."

"About Ayane?"

She never failed to surprise him.  "How did you…?"

Kasumi sighed.  "Nii-san has always been kind of touchy regarding Ayane.  He always respects her and is polite to her in public, but I don't think he really likes her."

Ryu grunted.  "I've noticed.  It seems to be a sport for the Mugen Tenshin to gang up on someone."

"Oh, no, Hayabusa-san!  It's not really like that.  It's…complicated."

"I know," he said softly.  "I heard."

She was only surprised for a moment.  "Then…you know it's been hard for my father.  And Nii-san.  Her presence, I mean.  My father loved my mother very much.  And I think that's why Nii-san can't think of Ayane as a sister.  Because he sees what Father sees…like she's some kind of reminder of Mother's betrayal."

Ryu frowned.  He hadn't thought of it that way.  But it was still unfair.  "And you?" he asked.  "What do you think of Ayane?"

"Me?"  She glanced down at her hands while she organized an answer in her head.  "I…I don't remember Mother very much.  She passed away when I was very young.  But…I've been told Ayane looks very much like her.  I don't think Mother ever meant to hurt any of us.  I don't think she ever meant to leave, and I don't think she would have unless she really did fall in love.  And I think…I'd like her as a sister, to remember her by.  I want to love her, the way I'm sure Mother must have loved her," she finished, with a small, sad smile on her face.

For a moment, he was at a complete loss for words.  When he could finally speak again, he said, "You're a brave person, Kasumi."

Kasumi's cheeks flushed pink and she quickly averted her gaze.  "No, I'm not.  Be-besides!  It was really…nice of you to stand up for Ayane like that."

Ryu blinked.  "Huh?"

"At—at the match.  You were the only one who cheered Ayane."

"Oh."  He had forgotten about that.

"That was brave, Hayabusa-san," Kasumi said, trying to act somewhat bravely herself.

Ryu shrugged.  "It just didn't seem fair to have the everyone so against her," he said.  He grinned.  "I was actually expecting you to win."

For some reason, Kasumi felt something in her warm and spread pleasantly throughout her body, and she suddenly relaxed.  "I didn't, though," she said bashfully.  Ryu merely smiled.  Kasumi found she had to avert her gaze again, and silently berated herself for being so stupid.

She didn't know how long she was stuck in her own little world, but she snapped out of it suddenly when she realized he was looking at her quizzically.  Clearing her throat and grasping around for something, anything, she suddenly suggested, "How about I read your fortune, Hayabusa-san?"  Actually, it was more like a squeak.

Ryu blinked.  "My fortune?"

"Ye—yes!  Just for fun, of course," she quickly added when she caught his dubious look.  "It's just a hobby of mine," she said shyly, "and I'm not good or anything, but if you don't mind…"

Ryu grinned congenially.  "Why should I mind?"

She led him inside and motioned for him to seat himself at the low table before disappearing in the direction of her room and reappearing moments later with something in hand.  They appeared to be cards of some sort.

"They're tarot cards," Kasumi said, handing them over for closer inspection.  "They're my favorite deck.  Nii-san gave them to me on my last birthday."

Curious, Ryu took one of the pristine cards between two fingers.  One side was relatively blank, but the other was covered with delicate drawings and various runic symbols he couldn't quite make out.  Every card appeared to be a little different, unlike the playing cards he was more familiar with.  He dutifully handed it back and watched, fascinated, as Kasumi expertly "washed" the cards and then cut the deck.

When she was finished, she said, "Now, Hayabusa-san, clear your mind."

"Hu-huh?  Wha--?"

"Sometimes it's okay to ask a question in guiding the outcome of the cards, but usually you'll just want to focus your essence into the cards so that they'll suggest a scenario to you."

He didn't get a word of that, but wasn't about to let her know that.  "Uh, sure, okay."

Kasumi nodded and began the placements, setting one down in front of her.  But the second card caused her to pause and frown.  "Hm."

"What?  What is it?"

She gestured to the card on the table.  "The first card represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue.  Your card was the Emperor, the card of authority, reason and structure.  This second card," she said, indicating the one she held in her hand, "represents the obstacle that stands in your way."  So saying, she laid said card perpendicularly over the first.

"The Tower.  Card of violent change, downfall, and revelation."

Ryu was kind of taken aback by her sudden seriousness.  "Is that…bad?"

Kasumi nodded.  "More often than not."  She placed the next card directly above the crossed ones.  "This card represents your goals.  The three of cups.  Abundance.  Strength of a community brought together, of family and friends.  Indicates the auspicious conclusion to a matter."

"Well, that's good," Ryu said, who, in spite of himself, felt slightly relieved.

"And this," she said, placing a card opposite to the last, "represents the foundation of that goal.  Oh!"  For some reason, Kasumi's face started turning red.  Ryu bent over for a closer look at the card that caused such a reaction.

"The Empress.  The card of femininity and matriarchy.  Represents fertility and motherhood, as well."  Ryu decided she was too flustered to ask questions.

She then placed a card to the left.  "This card represents something to be let go, a passing influence.  Seven of Swords.  Running away, isolation, doing things on one's own.  I think it's warning you not to be too independent, Hayabusa-san.  Don't be afraid to ask for help."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Placing a card to the right, she said, "This represents an approaching influence that should be embraced.  The knight of Swords: a fearless warrior. A person who inspires fear and awe through the purity of their purpose and the intensity of their intellect, speaking in an outspoken manner and with great influence. This person brings the swift initiation or conclusion of a conflict, through the decisive invocation of force."

"Sounds like Hayate," he mused.

Kasumi pursed her lips.  "I guess so.  I think it sounds a lot like you, though, Hayabusa-san."  Ryu had to admit, he was flattered.

She then began to start a column of four cards, bottom up.

"This position represents your role or attitude.  Justice.  The card of, well, justice and responsibility.  That does sound a lot like you."

She then placed the next one directly above it.  "Nine of wands, reversed.  This card represents the environment of people you are dealing with," she explained.  "Beware of traitors, Hayabusa-san.

"This next card represents your hopes or an unexpected element that will come into play."  She set the "Lovers" card down and moved quickly onto the next card to cover up her embarrassment.  "And this last card represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on your course.  Look!" Kasumi held out the last card, smiling brightly. 

Ryu looked it over.  "The World?"

"It means," Kasumi said with a grin, "that everything is going to come out all right in the end.  No matter what."

Everyone in the Mugen Tenshin could intuitively tell when something was upsetting their future clan head.  The air around him suddenly radiated with tense vibes.  So when the other members of the Mugen Tenshin, even those who could conceivably hold their own in battle against him, saw him storming down their way, they immediately scuttled elsewhere.  After all, no use risking one's health unnecessarily.  Besides, it didn't look like he was just upset.

            Hayate was pissed.

            He didn't even notice the others scurrying for safety.  He was too busy playing back the conversation that he couldn't believe he just had.  And how dare he?  How dare Ryu pretend to know anything!  How could someone who wasn't even Mugen Tenshin ever understand?  He didn't know Hayate!  What did he know?

            His head snapped up as he realized he had somehow made his way to the main square.  Though mostly empty, off to the side Hayate noticed a clump of shinobi-in-training lounging around and chatting aimlessly.  They apparently had not noticed him yet.  Cracking his knuckles and with a feral grin, Hayate sauntered over and decided to see if Hayashi and friends wanted to help relieve some of his frustration.

Genra, resident master of the Hajin Mon ninjutsu in the Mugen Tenshin, arrived upon the scene just in time to see the end of Hayate's little tantrum.  He stood amazed as he watched the boy fast becoming a young man fighting with the skill of thousands of warriors past flowing through his veins.  Hayate let out a whoop as he aimed a kick at one of his opponent's rear end.  As the fight drew to a close, Genra could see the tension visibly leaking out of the boy's shoulders.

            Hayate sat with an audible thud on the ground, very satisfied.  Sure, maybe it was a little unsporting for him to pick on training warriors beneath his level, but there were three of them, which gave them more than generous compensation for that handicap.  He continued to sit oblivious to the three figures staggering painfully away but grew somber when he realized he had an audience.  He quickly stood and dusted himself off before bowing to the approaching master.  "Good evening, Genra-sama."

            The Hajin Mon master waved his hands as though to dismiss the title.  "Just 'Genra' is fine.  It won't due for the clan head to be addressing me in such a manner."

            "I'm not clan head yet, and you're still Master here," Hayate pointed out.

            This managed a chuckle from the elder.  "Fair enough.  But once you're leader here, I expect you to address me accordingly."

            "Of course," Hayate said, with a ghost of a grin. 

"That was some battle," Genra said, gesturing in the direction of the departed combatants.  "You've certainly mastered Tenjin Mon with flying colors."

Hayate made a short bow.  "Thank you.  Actually, sir, I've been thinking of coming back to the dojo."

"Yes, now that you've mastered Tenjin Mon, what will you do to occupy your time?  I'm sure you could master Hajin Mon just as quickly."  He paused as he seemed to think something over.  "Actually…I was in the process of designing an endurance exercise for Ayane.  But if you're interested, I could modify it so that you could join in."

            Hayate immediately responded with enthusiasm.  "That'd be great!  What kind of endurance exercise?"

            Genra smiled at Hayate's exuberance.  Ah, to be young again.  "I've yet to work out the particulars.  But it will last multiple days, and will definitely include some battles in between."

            Hayate grinned.  "Sounds fun."

            "Yes, well, I daresay you and Ayane will be more than up to the challenge.  Yes…I think some team exercises will be good for Ayane.  You see," the elder teacher confessed, slightly abashed, "Ayane never really gets along with my other students.  It doesn't help she's so advanced over them, but she has your mother's temper," he added with a laugh.  Hayate pretended to laugh along.  "At any rate, I'll send someone by when I have all the details worked out to let you know when it commences."  And with that, he turned to leave when Hayate's voice called him back.

            "Genra-sama, would it be all right if I brought Kasumi along?"

            "Of course.  She's another promising talent, if I ever saw one."

            "Thank you, sir," Hayate said, giving a deep bow of farewell before going his separate way.

It wasn't until he was looking up at his home in the settling sun that Hayate finally thought to be if not nervous, uncomfortable.  The spat with Ryu suddenly played in his mind, and a prickly feeling best described as guilt started to trickle into his stomach.  Vaguely, he wondered if Ryu went home.  But any hope of taking the easy way out was immediately squashed when he heard the sounds of muffled conversation just as he approached the door.

            "…they're not really answers, you see.  More like hints or tips.  Even 'Arcana' means 'secrets'."

            "Arcana?"

            "Those cards there."

            "Oh."  There was the sound of shuffling.  "How long have you been studying all this?"

            "Not very long," Kasumi's voice confessed.  "With training and school, I don't really have much time.  I can hardly wait to when I don't have to go to school anymore.  Maybe I'll have some time to look into Dowsing and stuff."

            Hayate heard Ryu chuckle.  "No, you're going to miss it.  You don't know how good you had it until it ends."

            In a small voice, Kasumi asked, "Do you…miss it?"  And suddenly Hayate knew she wasn't just talking about school anymore.  It was incredible to think how just a few years ago, he himself had a life outside of the order.  A normal life.

            "Well, sometimes I…."

            Something within Hayate welled up.  Such talk was useless.  This is just the way they were born.  Deciding that he left those two alone long enough, he threw open the door and gave a loud resounding "Tadaima," though perhaps unnecessarily considering that they were only about five feet from him when he entered the room.  Kasumi looked up, surprise evident on her face.  If Ryu had been surprised, the look had already faded away and only an uncertain look remained that Hayate found himself returning.  Goddamn, he hated apologizing.

            Fortunately, Kasumi interrupted this awkward silence by speaking first.  "Nii-san, where did you go?"

            Hayate's attention snapped back towards his sister.  "Oh, I…just met Genra-sama.  It looks like we're going to be doing some more endurance training soon."  As predicted, Kasumi clapped her hands in delight.  But still left Ryu more or less puzzled.

            "Endurance training?"

            Kasumi eagerly nodded.  "Genra-sama makes these really fun exercises for Ayane and sometimes he lets us do them too.  One time we trained for three days where we had to fight—"

            "Bears?"

            "NO!"  Mou, would they never let her live that down?  "We fought against these 'sniper teams' that basically dropped surprise attacks on us at random for the three days."  In Kasumi's memory, she remembered those three days as possibly the longest she'd ever had.  Never being able to fully rest, always at danger—it had been exciting nonetheless.

            "Sounds fun," Ryu said congenially and a touch absently, focused more on her bright smile than what she was saying exactly.

"Yeah," Hayate said, trying to segue his interruption by clearing his throat a little too forcefully to ever really be natural, "but it's also hard.  This is serious training.  And…if you want…I could ask Genra-sama to let you in on it.  If you're up to it, of course."  There, he made the first gesture.  Satisfied?

And Ryu saw it.  The ball was in his court, and he willingly launched it back.  "Is that a challenge?" he asked in mock indignation.  Apology accepted, jerk.  He wasn't one to stay mad very long anyway.

            "I mean, I won't be held responsible to your father if something happens to you.  Because I can't watch your back all the time."

            "You just worry about yourself and hope that I don't have to save your sorry ass from getting into trouble."

            Kasumi was obviously thrilled at the possible addition to their party, but couldn't resist adding, "Oh, don't worry, Nii-san.  I'll make sure both you and Hayabusa-san are kept safe!"

            Hayate scowled at his would-be bodyguard.  "More competition, eh?  You may be my sister, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you."

            "I know, Nii-san.  I'll try not to go too easy on you either."

            And Hayate, momentarily at peace, allowed himself that rare indulgence of forgetting that in a matter of days he, his sister, and his best friend would practice putting their lives on the line for the sake of a code that he himself was starting to question.  At the moment, he could have easily been planning a school trip.  He didn't have to think about the future, or how vulnerable the Mugen Tenshin and all those he held dear really were.

             And even if these were the things of hopeless dreams and bygone days, even if these were the beginnings of how things fall apart, they were the stuff that made life worth living for.