The next morning the threesome quickly ate their breakfast, Ramone got Seto dressed, and they headed into town. Holding onto the troubled child's hand the whole time. First stopping at the courthouse. Showing his parental license and signing the papers in his name. Seto was now officially part of Ramone's family.

Outside the courthouse the new father showed his child the papers, explaining that he was now legally adopted by him. "See? This means your now officially my new son." Putting the papers in front of Seto for him to see. "B-but... I can't read... mama always said I was to stupid..." The youth folded his hands and looked at his feet shuffling around a bit. "You're not stupid Seto, you've just never been given a chance." Seto perked up a bit at this, Crow was a big comfort to his new younger brother, and Ramone recognized it.

Next stop, the doctor's, where they sat in the waiting room before a nurse would come and allow them in. Seto, being placed on Ramone's lap, was silent. "Would you like to hear a story Seto?" The youth did not answer, nor did he move. "I'll take that as a yes." Chuckling at his silence. "Are you going to tell him that old tale?" Boredom danced around his voice having heard this novel more times then he could imagine. "It's true though, you don't find it at all interesting?" "Not after hearing it a million times." Exchanging boredom, for sarcasm this time. "Well, Seto's never heard it, so you're going to hear it a million and one times." Laughing at the eye roll he received, he continued on.

"Long ago most of the world belonged to one of two major clans. The sun clan, and the moon clan. A small majority of the world belonged to neither, but often sought help and protection from one of the clans. Now, the sun clan were stingy people who would only help or protect at a price. Moon clans were much more generous. The people of the sun had a strong connection to it. They got their power from the sunniest days, and were at their weakest on cloudy or rainy days. They were people of war, strong and mighty with an impressive arsenal of weapons at their disposal. Ferocious and violent with equally violent customs. And, the people of the moon were just the opposite. They were typically very soft hearted and kind people, much less violent. Their strength was drawn from the moon, the full moon was when they were at their strongest, and the new moon was their weakest. They specialized in medicine, knowing the land and doing most of their traveling at night. Two opposite tribes living in the same world.

The clan of the moon gradually began to become more advanced as their years on earth increased. The clan of the sun continued to remained the same. Growing increasingly jealous and afraid that the, still gentle, moon people might overtake them in war soon. They began to pick the moon clans apart, one by one until there were almost none left. Killing them, or taking them into slavery. The remaining few fled into hiding. At this point there was about as many moon clan people as there were people belonging to neither. It's said that their main fortress still remains somewhere on earth, still home to some of the world's most powerful medicine. No one has yet to see it though.

The people from the sun clan still walk around freely, and they make up over half the world's population. People of the moon tribe still keep their identities hidden, in fear of further discrimination... You know how you can tell whether a person is from a clan or not?" Shaking his head, trying to soak up all the information, even though he only understood part of it. "I've heard there have been people of the sun and moon clans who've married and had kids. Those kids didn't have any identification from either clan, I've never heard of anyone who has taken on both symbols... until now." Brushing the hair away from Seto's forehead, revealing a small marking in the center. "Moon clans have a marking of a moon on their forehead, sun clans have a sun. You... have half of each. I can explain more later, but everything I just told you... doesn't need to leave outside the three of us though. Do you understand this?" Looking the man straight in his eyes like he lost his mind. He brushed Ramone's hand away before answering. "Yes."

Before another word could be spoken, a nurse walked in. "Seto? We're ready to see you now." "All right, that's our cue." Thankfully the child was small enough, so he was easily portable by arm carriage. Following the kind lady down the hall and into a small area where they had managed to get the height and weight of the boy with few complications. Bringing him to another room and sitting on top of a large bed. Crow sitting by his side hoping to keep him calm. Silence echoed against the bright walls, decorated with only a border of blue flowers.

"You must be my new patient, Seto?" A tall woman with deep brown hair pulled back into a high messy ponytail walked in. She had brown eyes to compliment and a large toothy smile to pull out her charm. Pushing himself into the tall teen, not wanting to deal with another new person. "You're ok. I'm just going to be checking on your health, all right?" Not answering he squeezed his eyes closed as tightly as possible. "

Good to see you again Ramone, have you noticed anything health wise your especially concerned about with him?" Ramone smiled and nodded his head, acknowledging the greeting. "He's been around a smoker a lot, and he's had a couple coughing fits yesterday." Writing things down on her clipboard before returning her attention back to the young victim. Placing her stethoscope in her ears, and grabbing the shining silver end of it."All right Seto. I'm going to place this on you, it's going to allow me to listen to your heart and lungs now." Crow helped him sit up straight and the doctor placed the metal end on his chest. Moving it around every few seconds. "All right, all sounds good." Writing on her clipboard yet again. "Now I'm going to have a listen to your lungs." Now the metal side of the stethoscope was put on his back. "Can you take a few deep breathes in for me." Glancing at Crow. "You can do it." Glad for the reassurance he took in a deep breathe. Slowly in, shaky out. Following the instructions of the woman he took in a few more.

The rest of the visit took about an hour, going through and checking for any possible, long or short term, injuries that may have occurred to him during his years of abuse. Feeling his joints, checking his reflexes, eyes, nose, she even took a blood sample, nothing on the surface left unchecked. It was not to long before the results of the blood work came back."The boy's been malnourished, seems to lack proper sleep, and in terms of muscle tone he's much smaller than what he should be for someone of his age. You're probably well aware of the various bruises and cuts around the boy. His lungs did sound a bit... rough, I'll prescribe him an inhaler for the next time he gets into a coughing fit. I'd get a few things looked at a bit closer too, the right knee and and ankle, those were particularly tender for him when I touched those areas." She gave him a few more recommendations, ending the inspection with an exchanging of muscle specialists and prescription papers the family left.

Upon walking through front door of the quaint little house, Seto immediately questioned Ramone of the tale told in the waiting room. Setting the child back down on the floor and fixing his roughed up clothing, listening to the out poor of questions. "Slow down Seto, one at a time! This is the most you've talked to us yet! And you didn't want me to tell that story Crow." Crow just threw his hands up near shoulder height, admitting defeat. "First off, I should tell you that Crow, is apart of the sun clan." Brushing midnight black hair from his forehead, smiling mischievously as Crow flinched. "Explains why he's usually so energetic, it's usually pretty sunny around here. You... you have the symbol of both clans, it's quite unusual. I mean, I'm not an expert on the subject or anything, but I've never heard of that happening." "What do you mean by their strength though?" Innocent eyes turned to look at him for answers. "Hmmm... well, for one the numbers of the moon clan increased. They navigated using the stars, as they did most of their traveling at night, and supposedly they found a source of a new medicinal herb. This herb could heal most wounds, which in a sense sort of made them become invincible. That and each clan has it's own... eh.. unique power, different from their knowledge of war and medicine. They've kept this secret to their perspective clans though, so no one outside has been told of what exactly each power is."

"I still don't understand a lot of this either Seto, all of the clan and non-clan stuff settled down in the past hundred years or so." Seto placed his eyes on the floor, he did not understand why, but he had an odd sense of wanting to know more and understand what this 'clan' and 'special powers' were all about. Switching focal points back to Ramone, he asked. "Are you from a clan?" Lips turned upwards a bit when he responded. "No." "But... then... how come Crow is?" Corners of his mouth spread even farther up at this. "You are a lot smarter than you're mother ever gave you credit for." Realizing this surprised the child in a bad way, the man quickly attempted to save himself. "I'm sorry, that was... rude of me... but to answer your question, Crow isn't my real son. He was adopted, just like you were today." The golden eyed teen became nauseated, his stomach twisting around inside, he knew Ramone was going to want to reveal his past to Seto, one he does not like to recall much. "How?" There it is, and here it comes. "He doesn't need to know." Coldly stated and crossing his arms. "Don't you think Seto should know though?" "No." Despite the fact that he did not remember everything from his previous life, he still did not want to rinse off the dust from the old memories he kept sealed away. He felt ashamed for being so cold to his family, but digging up the memories was the last thing he wanted to allow happen.

Loud knocking came from the front door, relief to Crow to avoid having to argue about telling Seto about his past. "Be right back." Leaving to answer the door, two people walked in, stepping past the children in the living area, and holding a bed frame. A third person came in with a mattress Ramone leading them. A few minutes later all four trotted back down the stairs, Ramone showed them the door. Lifting Seto off the floor and back into his arms. "Let's go see your new bed." Bringing the child up the stairs and into his own bedroom. The bed was placed on the wall to the right of Ramone's. Setting the youth down on it, sinking into the soft new mattress. "What do you think?" Smiling at the young youth. Gears in his mind turning, all he was ever familiar with was either hardwood floors, or a cold cement one. Deciding it was nicer than sleeping on the floor, the corners of his mouth turned up in an almost unnoticeable manner. Comfortable, relaxed, happy, soon drifting off into dreamland on his new sea of clouds. Noticing the boy fast asleep on the brand new bed. "C'mon, let's let Seto sleep now." Taking Crow at the shoulder and leading him out the door.

A few days had gone by, the two older males of the house slowly made progress in getting the disturbed adolescent to open up to them. All they had managed to retrieve from the boy was his birthday, and an emphasis on his sheltered life. Learning that the child's birthday was a shocking two days away Ramone went to do some last minute party shopping while Seto slept under the careful watch of Crow.

The next two days were running around and creating a last minute birthday for a shy, scared little boy. When the big day finally arrived, Ramone intended on making it one for the tormented child to remember. Getting up early enough to bake and decorate a magnificent cake. Taking out a black frying pan, mixing batter, and heating the thick soup on the stove until a solid golden brown object took form. Creating several of these delightful circles before waking the children up. Smothering Seto's portion of pancakes in peanut butter and syrup, and placing a glass of white milk in front of the two boy's plates. Both Crow and Ramone found amusement in Seto's face as he tried to figure out how to eat the sticky substance. "Try drinking some milk hun." Chuckling as he handed the glass over to his confused son. Taking a few big gulps the resistant coating in his mouth removed, a look of confusion marked his face. Sticking his tongue out, poking it, inspecting the surface for the missing glue food.

Laughter increased, Seto stopped what he was doing and looked in both Crow and Ramone's directions. Cheeks hot as they exchanged a pale tone for a red hue water gathering under his eyes. Ramone leaned in a kissed the side of Seto's chestnut hair, "I love you Seto." Still a joy winding through his voice. "Finish eating, I got a little surprise for you later." Retrieving the other two empty plates and walking them over to the sink, beginning the dish washing process.

Crow took Seto outside to the large fenced in yard upon finishing his special made breakfast. Ramone constructed a swing to add to the old oak tree in the far corner of the yard shortly after Crow joined his family. Big brother started pushing the little boy on that old swing. Old memories swarmed his mind as he did so. The swaying motion did not go far, Seto was to afraid of leaving the ground. Falling off the swing after the second push crashing to the ground with a hard 'thud'. Trembling in fear from the horrific drop. "Woah! Geez Seto! You ok?" Rushing towards the shaking child. Like a magnet two arms swung around and clung dearly to the teens body. "You're ok." Smiling at the teary eyed boy, high hopes of cheering him up with his new idea. "C'mon"

Leading the younger brother towards an old brown shed. The dated wood shown through in desperate need of a paint job, the rickety structure deluded the curb appeal of the otherwise beautiful backyard. "W-what are you d-doing?" Giving his signature smile to the young. "We're going to do a new activity." Opening the wooden frame of the small building, and taking out a small red ball from its inside. Bouncing it a few times with an echoed 'Boing!' 'Boing!' Clapping loudly against the rough terrain of cement. "Here." Handing the gleaming object to Seto. Eyes fixated on the sphere in his hands, the sun hitting it just right melting against the red coloration.

Crow motioned for him to try bouncing it. With a concerned look on his face, he knelt down and dropped the ball only inches from the ground wrapping his hands around his legs while watching it stop its horizontal motion. Reaching forward placing a hand on the smooth object, allowing it to glide across the ground and back to his feet. "Try standing up and bouncing it." Gently coaxing the child into trying something new. Not removing his eyes from the round toy in front of him he stood all the way up to his feet. Nervously letting go of the ball and jumping away as the it journeyed back up. Relaxing a little when the sphere moved back towards Crow. Lifting it back up with ease. "It's not going to hurt ya ya goof! Try catching it." Laughing as he demonstrated how to catch the ball. "Ready? I'm going to toss it to you now." "Noo!"Covering his head, clinging onto his light brown hair shimmering against the afternoon lighting. "All right, here." Walking to the distraught boy placing the toy in his small bony fingers. Settling down again, he began dropping and watching intently until relaxed enough to reach back for the springing sphere. Missing it the first few tries, ricocheting off his face once before shoving it back to Crow, pout written all over his face.

"Show me?" Smiling at the gesture he Crow grabbed the ball and bounced it a few times again before giving it back to the young child eager to try his hand at the new motions. Attempting to catch and release a few more times before finally pulling it off. Smiling ear to ear when the ball returned itself back into the hands of the birthday boy, jumping up and down laughing, acting just like a regular ten year old child for the first time in his life. Immediately looking at Crow as though looking for some sort of approval. "Great job! Try again." Play was continual for the next few hours until Ramone took them back inside for a well cooked birthday supper.

Helping Seto cut his spaghetti and meatballs so the child would be able to eat this meal. They had a grand time watching Seto's confusion when it came time to blow out the candles on the decorative cake. Upon eating a brand new sugary substance Seto's eyebrows furrowed swallowing the bite of cake he had just placed in his mouth. Placing the metallic tonged item back down on the table. Not at all sure what to think about the sweetness, something he had never experienced before, he refused to eat anymore. Rather strong for his delicate new taste buds.

"I have a little surprise for you now hun." Handing over a small, perfectly wrapped cube to the child. Clean green paper lined with a bright blue bow. "What is it?" Twirling the box between his fingers. "You got to take the paper off." Thrusting his arm forward, shoving the box back into Ramone's area. "Do you need some help?" Looking at his son curiously who did not so much as flinch. "Here, let me help you then." Gliding his fingers under a portion of folded paper. Popping it up. "You can finish opening it from here." Genuinely smiling at the child, who peered at the man like he lost his mind before a second attempt at giving the box back. "His stubbornness shines through yet again!" Laughing at his own joke Crow continued on. "It's yours Seto, you're suppose to take the paper off the paper and find out what's underneath it." Almost in tears now, not comprehending the meaning of receiving a gift.

Placing the unrevealed item on the table and allowing his right pointer finger knuckle to find its way into his mouth, lips quivering. "Here" Stealing the unopened gift away from the boy's spot at the table, ripping open the package revealing a pale cream box. Underneath lay a silver cross with a ribbon wrapped diagonally around. In the middle sat a small beautiful sparkling ruby. On the backside of this silver masterpiece wrote the word "Promise." Ramone spoke as he wrapped the silver chain around the wide eyed child's neck who's pace of air intake quickened.

Fiddling wit the reflective metal, inspecting it as if looking for some hidden message that he should be worried about. The bouncing of light became soothing to his eyes, enjoying the sparkle it brought to the world. "Do you like it?" The voice reminded Seto that Ramone was still in his world, a quick glance at his way with an ever unchanging expression. "It says promise on the back, as in I promise to give you a better life now."

I think my word choices are getting worse...

Then again, I don't really know...

Thank you for all my awesome reviews, glad yous all like it so far.

At: crowxfangirlz

I drew the cover picture myself, glad you like it!

At everyone else:

I'll update new chapters when I can, I got busy with some gymnastics the past couple weeks. My schedule can be unpredictable sometimes.