Author's Note: This was supposed to be a flashback chapter, but I wasn't sure how to work it out. Anyways, enjoy. Disclaimer is on the prelude…and nothing has changed.

Chapter 1: Nostalgia

chaos:

I was one of the more successful clones produced by a man called Anima. Anima was known for tinkering in things no ordinary person shouldn't. He reminded me a lot of Joachim Mizrahi. He was also responsible for inventing the powerful E.S. weapon called the Vessel of Anima. But I digress.

As I was saying before, I was one of the more successful clones made by him. I was also the most unique—with fair brown skin, deep glassy green irises and silky silver hair. Not only that, but I had more than my fair share of power. Heavenly power, Anima called it. My powers made me Anima's favorite out of the small group of clones he produced. Believe it or not, there was another clone that he held dearer than me and that was the female called Azaria.

Azaria was my sister and someone I could confide in when I was feeling lost. And that was quite often. You see, special precautions had to be made around me. My youth made it hard to control the powers that coursed through my body. That in turn, made my other brothers hate me to death. Which often put me at the head of ridicule.

"Azaria," I would whine as I ran into her bedroom.

"chaos, calm down."

Azaria ran her hands through my silky hair, trying to calm me down by herself. Which wasn't working too well, since I was literally bawling.

"But…but… they said mean things, A-Azaria."

Azaria wiped my tears away with a tissue, her features becoming steadily grim.

"chaos, calm down before your powers activate. You know how Anima will react. As for your brothers, Ignore them."

I looked up at her with a frown on my face.

"But I just can't ignore them."

"chaos, remember. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Now, get that frown off of your face."

Frowns are unbecoming of me, Azaria used to say. Sticks and stones, huh? I tried to keep that in my young mind the next day. My brothers thought it would be funny if they ambushed and beat me up outside. Of course, they noted that my flawless brown skin was very sensitive to sunlight. So naturally, I had to go through the agony of multiple sunburns all over my body. Azaria was furious when she saw the damage. I swear, her anger multiplied with each scream of pain I uttered.

Fortunately for me, I healed fast. A funny thing happened that night as I lay across the medical bed, specially designed for me. My mind became clouded with thoughts of violence, which was a definite first. I was known as the gentle giant amongst the people who had contact with me. I was voted most likely to not hurt a fly, for heaven's sake. Part of me wanted to see my family squirm in pain and fear. It didn't matter if they died while I exerted my independence. Would Azaria approve? I shook my head slowly. No, she wouldn't. Did I really care that she would be disappointed in me?

Oh, she'll get over it, chaos. Do what must be done. Do what must be done…?

A smirk tugged at the edges of my pale lips. I liked the sound of that. I pulled myself up into a sitting position and pulled the IV out of my right hand gently. I didn't care much for IV's. They knew I was perfectly healthy and yet, they continued to pump strange fluid into my veins. I scanned over my body and found that they had me in a loose fitting gown. I didn't like it, but it would do. If I went back for my clothes, I would probably lose the resolve to kill my other siblings.

"chaos, are you ok? You're scaring me!"

Wha? My gaze fixed onto the worried face of none other than Shion Uzuki. Just how long had I been daydreaming?

"Shion…it's ok."

"You were so pale…and your eyes…"

"What about them?" I asked.

"They were bloodshot…for like a moment."

Honestly, I was hoping that she would say that they were unfocused. But bloodshot…that wasn't good. I didn't want her to worry, so I pasted a neutral look on my face.

"Don't worry about it, Shion. Let's just go back inside. Jr.'s probably worrying about us."

I knew it wasn't enough to dispel her fears at the moment. Nevertheless, she turned around and walked back into the restaurant. I followed after her, rubbing my arms softly to calm myself down. Something about my eyes being bloodshot sent shivers down my spine. I walked up the stairs and sat down at the table in front of a steaming hot plate of curry. Curry that smelled absolutely heavenly, but after one delicious bite, made my stomach do a gymnastics routine. I gently sat the spoon on the plate and fixed my attention on the conversation Jr. and Shion were having.

"How's MOMO? Is she done already?" Shion asked.

"They told us the main examination will start tomorrow. There don't seem to be any problems," I said simply.

"We had some free time, so I managed to persuade chaos to visit the city."

That sounds about right.

"I see," Shion muttered.

"What about you? Did you turn over KOS-MOS already?" I asked.

Shion's gaze drifted down to the table. Uh-oh, I sense drama.

"Uh, yeah. I had Allen take over the process. It might take some time, though, depending on what else pops up."

"Did something happen over there? You don't look very happy," Jr. commented.

Yeah, she doesn't.

"You know how it is. We've been together for a long time, so saying goodbye is…well, you know."

I know how that feels.

"Hmm. That tough, huh?" Jr. asked.

"Well, yeah. Think about it, Jr. What if you had to give up your precious Kahles scope? How would that feel?" I reasoned.

Jr. would probably kill someone over that thing.

"Oh, that would be tough. My wallet and my heart would both grieve."

I smirked.

"Told you."

Shion let out an exasperated sigh.

"Please, do you really have to compare KOS-MOS to Jr.'s collection?"

All of a sudden, she got out of her chair and huddled in a corner.

"Good Afternoon, Boss."

That voice! Jin Uzuki? My gaze snapped to the bar where, sure enough, Jin Uzuki was standing.

"Hey, welcome back. What a coincidence! Just now, Shion was…huh?" Boss stopped in mid sentence.

Jr. glanced down at Shion who was in the corner making some kind of motion with her hands.

"Huh? You're playing the drums?"

Shion shook her head furiously.

"Man, I give up! What are you trying to say, Shion?"

"Not so loud!" Shion shouted.

Jin walked over to the table with a slight frown on his face.

"Shion…and a voice I've heard somewhere before…"

Oh wow, he recognized my voice. Shion stood up, head hung partially in defeat.

"Uh, hi. Long time no see."

Jin took a seat across from me and smiled.

"I'm Jin Uzuki. I'm pleased to meet you."

It's always good to see an old friend.

"The pleasure is mine," I said softly.

"So, you're both with Shion. Tell me, has my foolish sister been causing you trouble?"

Uh…I smell fighting words.

"Foolish?" Shion asked, venom laced in every syllable she spoke.

Time to save Jin's ass from a violent sibling.

"Quite the opposite. You know, we're actually very much in her debt."

Jin raised an eyebrow.

"Truly? You know, you don't have to be nice because she's here."

Nothing I can say will save you from this one.

"Jin!" Shion snapped.

"It appears I'm not very welcome here, am I?"

"I didn't say that! I just—"

"Hey, Boss. I'll have what they're having, please. Extra spicy."

"Hey! Listen to me when I'm talking to you!"

"I am listening. So, what were you saying?"

"Forget it. It's just not worth it." (A/N: For those who might be confused, the last six lines were between Jin and Shion. Check the Game Script people.)

Aw…isn't that cute? A few minutes of silence passed by before anyone said anything else.

"You know, you could have called me. I would have come to meet you. So, how long are you here, anyway?"

And there goes Jin.

"I-I was busy. The only reason I'm here is because I got a sudden assignment. I have to spend tonight getting ready for the return trip," Shion replied.

Wow, Shion was lying? And I thought I was bad.

"Huh? I thought you said—Ow!"

Jr.'s comment was cut off by a nice kick in the shins.

"Shion, just tell him already," I muttered.

"Fine! I'll come back home, all right?"

Good. Spare me all of this drama.

"Oh right. Would the two of you like to visit?" Jin asked.

Do I get to say no? Jr. turned to face me.

"Well? What do you think?"

"I don't know…It's a family reunion. We'd probably just be in the way."

Jr. shot me a pleading look.

"Of course, we could also take you up on your offer. Just for a little while…"

How do I always get dragged into doing stuff?

Uzuki Residence, Second Militia

Twenty Minutes Later

chaos:

"Wow, chaos! This house is made of wood!" Jr. exclaimed.

Thanks for pointing out the oblivious. I had to admit that it had been many, many years since I had seen a house made out of wood. It reminded me too much of Earth.

"Yeah and look at that! It's amazing. This place is a bookstore," I commented as we walked inside the dwelling.

Excitement was written all over Jr.'s face as he scanned the bookshelves.

"Man! This is so antique! It's too bad Gaignun isn't here to see this!"

"I knew it," Shion muttered.

She wasn't very happy again.

"Knew what?" I asked.

"Hang on, Jin. What's this? I thought you opened a doctor's office."

Uh-oh.