Chapter 5

"Ughh!" Ramone's body crashed to the ground having received a gunshot wound to the head. "Ramone!" "Noo!" Dropping Seto onto the ground a squeaky whine let out as his legs caved in under him. "I'll be back." and with that the mystery man exited the house as calm as could be. It took a few seconds for the situation to sink in before the brothers rushed over to Ramone's side.

Nothing much they could do with their hands still restrained. A smashing of the door cracking against the wall startled the two boys. Seto screamed in panic, Crow's heart pounding, hurting his chest with the intensity. The fast pace of feet revealed their neighbor lady. "Oh Honies!"Seeing the scene in front of her, having a hard time trusting her eyes. The two boys she's always known to be so sweet, loving, and helpful children were bound at the wrists, crying and kneeling before the man who raised them. Ramon laying in a lump on the floor, bleeding from the small circular wound from his head. Flying to the three on the floor she began to untie the restraints from Seto's wrists before freeing Crow. "There should be an ambulance and some cops on the way, everything will be all right." Reaching around Seto and holding him close to her, rubbing his back. Desperate breathes came through the boy. Ramone started to reach a hand out for each of his boys. "No, Ramone you need to save your strength." Crow coached him while he wrapped his fingers between Ramone's. Seto held the other hand.

Only a few minutes passed before the red and blue lights shone through the windows while the sirens blared through the neighborhood. Alerting anyone who might have been nearby. Police and paramedics swarmed the house. White clad workers came for Ramone. "Eli!" Crow ran and threw his arms around him. "You must be upset, you never do that!" "Hnn.."Crow pushed away and spun away after hearing that comment. "C-crow..." Whipping his head around in the direction of the voice. "T-take care o-of-f S-set-to … f-for m-me..." Standing back by Ramone's side who was now laying on a stretcher. "Save your energy, you know I will..." The teen stroked his cheek and with that, Ramone was taken away in the ambulance. Crow went to be with the hysteric boy he calls his little brother. Holding him close. Eli placed a hand on Crow's shoulder. "Crow?" "..." "Crow, I know you're upset, but I need you to talk to me. Can you tell me what happened?"

A shaky sigh voiced at first. Regretfully removing himself from ear shot of Seto before answering. "I don't know... we were walking home... He jumped us, he grabbed Seto and tied his hands behind his back... I... I freaked out... I couldn't do a single thing to help him... gah I'm such a wimp..." Turning his back to Eli, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Crow, don't put yourself down like that. It's a high stress situation, it's hard to function normally in something like that." Crow did not desire to hear more of what Eli was going to say to him, to avoid having to listen to Eli any further he continued on with his story. "Hn... he tied me after. Then he brought us here. We just got into the main room when Ramone came down. At first he had the gun aimed at Seto, but he shot Ramone in the head and then he left..." Then he turned back in the direction of the officer in front of him before mouthing; 'He said he'd be back.' Hoping Seto had not caught that the first time around, and he definitely did not want to remind him if he did. "Did you see what he looked like? A rough age estimate? Anything else you can give us?" Thinking about it... it was dark, what did he see? "He was a large built man with a deep voice He wore all black, I didn't really look at him..." Glimpsing back at Seto, he saw him talking to another person cloaked in deep blue. Biting his lip, the boy was already going to be devastated by this, Crow definitely did not want people pestering his little brother about this longer than need be. "Crow?" Ignoring Eli marching back in the direction of Seto. "Can you describe what this person looked like for me?" A different officer had begun asking Seto some questions of the unknown suspect.

Seto's breathing had become louder, more raspy. "H-he.. T-tan.. s-skin... T-tall.." "That's enough"Crow's pitch became harsh. Startling both Seto and the officer talking to him. "Crow!" Eli's voice rang out. "We're not done talking." "Yous don't need to be talking to him about this!" Frustration bubbled inside of Crow, causing his stomach to churn. "I-I'm f-fine..." Seto stammered trying to reassure his brother. "Crow, come with me." Reaching out to take the teen back to the kitchen area. "No!" Swiping his hand away from officer Eli, knees getting weak. "C'mere." Eli enfolded his arms over Crow slinging him over his shoulder and carrying him out the door. Kicking and pushing the entire time. It turned into a test of Eli's strength.

The air was chilled as the black sky was blanketed by millions of twinkling diamonds embedded within. Crickets chirping about in unknown locations, the singing of frogs could be heard from a distance as well. Placing Crow's feet back on the ground, and forcing him to sit on the cement stairs by pushing down on the young teens shoulders. Kneeling down to be face level with the struggling boy.

"Crow, you're scared, you're stressed, you're not thinking straight. He's not going to upset Seto, we need to ask him his side of the story. There is a chance he might have seen something you didn't. Don't you want some justice?" Swinging his right arm up, and removing himself from the building blocks. "I don't understand!" Crow yelled back to the officer of widened eyes. He's known Crow since he was about six, he never seen the teen so bent out of shape before. Eli went to stand in front of Crow who was still trying to keep his gaze away from the officer. Encircling two strong arms around him bringing him close and stroking his hair. Tears rained onto Eli's shoulder. Soaking his navy uniform. Sniffling called out through muffled cloth. "No one ever understands why bad things happens to good people Crow. For right now we're just going to have to stay strong and hope for the best." They sat down with nothing but the music of nightfall for their ears to behold. "Can we go back inside now?" Meekly asking after the downpour subsided several minutes later. "Sure."

Upon entry to the house Mrs. Trew waltzed up to Crow and Eli. "Yous two are going to stay with me for now." Their neighbor lady spoke up again."Crow honey, can you go grab some clothes and anything else yous two may need." Seto clung to her arm, "Sure..." Leaving the room, Seto watching his every move, never removing his eyes from the teen he admired so much. Trudging up the stairs 'thump' 'thump' 'thump'. Gathering their clothes for the night and next day, toothbrushes, and a few other select items from their room. Running back down the stairs, two bags in hand. Officers still scattered about Mrs. Trew and Seto sat on the floor in the kitchen. Still distraught and having difficulty breathing, made obvious by the loud gasping strung together one after another. Lungs depleting faster than the boy could manage to regenerate. His whole body was trembling, waterfalls from his violet eyes. Crow reached for a high cabinet above the stove. Bringing down an inhaler. Taking off the cap and preparing it for Seto. "Here." Placing the open end in his brother's mouth before he could object. Pressing the button. 'hwoof' "One more." 'hwoof' "Better?" inhales started slowing down and getting quieter which was all the answer Crow needed.

Seto's stomach was tangled up, and his heart felt so low it was outside his body. His chest was tight, still causing some difficult air flow. Crow came and stole his brother from their family friend. A death grip clung around each other. "Eli." The lady waved for the officer to approach. "Mrs. Trew, you need something?" "Can I take the boy's to my house now?" "I don't see why not. If we need to talk to one of them you're just next door." Smiling slightly as he ruffled Crow's hair and patted Seto's shoulder. "Thank you. Well boy's, I think it's time we get you outta here. C'mon" The child of brown hair refused to get up. Lifting his knees to his chest and hugging them. Recalling past instances where Seto's been stubborn like this caused a smile to creep its way onto Crow's face. "C'mere" Slipping one arm around the younger boys back, and the other he managed to wrap underneath the knees. With effort he got to his feet carrying the younger child. "Nnn!" "Don't start that again, use your words." Chuckling was more of a placebo method to keep himself from tearing up. Two backpacks hanging from his back, and one little brother held tightly to his own body. Following Mrs. Trew out the door and into her home.

The rest of the night drug on. Neither teen was able to get some food in their bellies, nor did they shower. Mrs. Trew showed them to a guest bedroom where two twin beds lived. Each of them took one, not that either could sleep. Two in the morning, Crow still wide awake, the events that took place only hours earlier still toyed with his mind. Seeing the sweet young teen in the bed next to his held hostage, his guardian being carried away by ambulance due to attempted murder. The more he tried to seal the thoughts away the more relentless they returned, the hardest part was not knowing how Ramone was doing after such a fatal shot. "Seto?" "W-what?" Poor kid, still quivering. "Can't sleep either huh?" "hn... C-can I.." "...Yeah..." He knew his brother by know, Seto did not even have to finish his question before Crow knew what he meant. Feeling the mattress shift with the new weight on top of it. Seto settled in, one arm came up and over Crow's body, the rest of him nuzzled up to his back. Crow moved the blankets around to cover Seto better. Keeping him warm for the night. The brothers were finally relaxed enough, their bodies worn out from high stress levels. Finally drifting off into dreamland.

Morning peaked over the horizon, slowly returning to bring its warmth and delight to the bleak world. Squeezing his eyes closed as the new dawn's light poked through the window. "Ugh..." Feeling bony fingers clench onto his arm. "Hnn..." Startled hums, he almost forgot his younger brother was in the bed with him. "Shh, go back to sleep now." Spoken as gently as he could manage. He may have been up to face the realities of life but that did not mean his brother had to just yet. Besides, he was enjoying well enough just laying there listening to the quiet breathing of Seto. Nestling his head deeper into Crow's back, who was sure the younger boy was to far off into another dimension to give attention to where he was yet.

'Crrrrreaak' Gasp. The sounds of an intruder entering the room surprised Crow. Thrusting his body up and twisting his head around. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you, how are you doing today?" Mrs. Trew always had a caring aura about her. Crow huffed, slammed his body back down on the bed. "W-waah?" The littler youth next to him jolted, still half asleep with horrid bed head. Mrs. Trew met them at the bedside. "C'mon downstairs and I'll get you some breakfast ready, all right?" Taking Seto by the hand and coasting him out of the bed. Immediately reaching out for the hand of his older teen companion. Receiving it and forcing his weary body out of bed.

Trudging down the stairs the trio entered Mrs. Trew's beautiful kitchen. Cherry cabinets, with a matching table set,white walls designed with a border of wonderful red flowers. Gorgeous black granite counter tops complimented with an elegant tile back splash. "Have a seat, can I make you anything special?" As soon as Crow sat himself at the table Seto crawled on top of him."C-Crow?" Snapping out of the trance he was taken under. "H-huh?" "C-can we... go-o s-see Ra-am-mone?" Pleading water stained eyes begged the older boy to say yes. "I cannot let either of yous leave this house until you've both had some breakfast. So how about I make yous two some pancakes?" Seto burst out in sobs digging his face deeply into Crow's loose pajama shirt. "Seto sweetie?" Setting herself at Seto's side, gently running her fingers up and down the quaking back. Crow had placed his head on Seto's, so that his mouth was covered by soft brown hair. "It'll be all right, Ramone's a fighter, he'll be all right." Kissing the child on top of his head. Rumbles coming from someone's abdomen sparked interest. "How about I make you those pancakes now?" "...W-wtih P-peanut-t but-ter?" Spoken through strangled tears and hopeful eyes. "Of course sweetie!" Tickling his arm before scurrying off to make the boys their peanut buttered pancakes.

Steamy golden cakes spattered in a delectable brown paste smothered in dark liquid, tall glasses of white milk corresponded to the meal. "It smells good." Crow spoke his first three words of the day finally. "As us-sual." Seto sounded almost uncharacteristically excited for the situation. Grabbing the tonged utensil offered to him, slicing out a piece and stuffing it in his mouth, a few tears still trickled down. Crow refused to allow Seto to leave his lap, he ate his breakfast around the boy. "My boy! You must have been starving!" Chuckling a bit, Seto was first to clean his plate from the warm delights. Blushing a beautiful warm red while looking down. 'Was that wrong?' "Would you like seconds sweetie?" Gazing back up at the lovely older woman opposite of his position. "Uhm... y-yes p-pleas-se." Making up two more fluffy pancakes before handing them to the youth.

Finishing up their breakfast generously made for them by their neighbor Mrs. Trew the two were eager to get to the hospital. Rushing out the door, Seto clenching his hands around Crow's arm. After speed walking a ways they heard a cry of a young female calling for them. "Seto!" Whipping his head half way out of his hiding spot in Crow. Their friends rushed towards them. Seto! Are you all right?" Grabbing onto his arm, concern spelled out across her usually cheery face. Gently tugging on his arm, but the child refused to let go or show all of his face. "Crow, we heard what happened. Yous two all right?" Keith's demeanor was not his typical self either. "We'll be fine." Coldly remarking as he scurried past them.

The siblings chased after their friends. Clara reached for Seto's arm again. Circling her thin fingers around his arm. "I'm here for you Seto." The females touch surprised the weeping causing him to jolt a bit. "Wait... what was that?" Clara spun around to stand in front of Seto, speedily pulling his head out of Crow before her friend had time to react. "Hnn!" Pulling his body away from Clara. Tripping himself and falling onto the hard cement. He curled himself into a ball, head facing the sidewalk and hands clenched tightly onto his head.

"Clara, don't freak the poor kid out like that!" Scoldings came from her older brother, Keith. "B-but that bruise..." Pulling his sister aside talking quietly enough for only her to hear. "I know you're worried, but if Seto wants to talk to you about this he will, don't force him. Crow forcibly grabbed his brother, and threw him onto his feet where he stumbled a bit before reacquainting himself with balance. "Just stop!" Crow's hurt was masked by anger, taking his disguised feelings out onto his closest friends. "Could you leave us alone!" Three pairs of shocked eyes stared at Crow who did his best to keep his composure. "Crow... you don't mean that, you're just upset right now." Keith was trying to be the voice of reason for this situation. He knew Crow long enough to be able to decipher his best friend's actions. The only response was rough breathing. Keith took one of his arms and placed it across Crow's shoulders. "C'mon." Seto rushed back to Crow's free side and buried himself into Crow's body again. Clara followed suit and placed herself at Seto's side and took his hand.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Clara and Keith stayed in the waiting area while Seto and Crow were led into Ramone's room. "Just stay quiet all right, the man needs his rest." The nurse exited the room, leaving the brothers in the bleak space. Slow beeping could be heard making its way around the room. Ramone was laying motionless in a bed, hooked up to many wires white bandages encased his forehead. Seto walked up to the blond haired man and tenderly kissed his cheek before laying his small hand on top of Ramone's. Crow sat next down next to the child hovering over his father figure. "I remember having to sit here with you." Crow broke the near desolate atmosphere of the hospital. "When I g-got really s-sick?" "Yeah, you had us pretty worried a couple times." "And neither of y-yous ever l-left my sid-de." Seto smiled thinking about his two most treasured possessions in life. "Why would we? Family is there to support each other in times of need." Crow finally gave out a small smile.

"C-Crow..." Tears streaming down mountains of flesh. "What?" "I-is there anyth-thing w-we can do t-to help-p him?" "What do you mean?" Crow was puzzled, he was hoping Seto was not thinking what he had in mind. Knowing that if Seto was even considering the moon ruins it could only lead to heartbreak for the young child. "Th-the m-moon clan..." "What? What are you getting at?" Crow was only stalling for time at this point trying to come up with the best argument as to why this would be a bad idea. "D-don't y-you re-remember-r what-t R-Ramone s-said?" The look on Crow's face screamed worry. "Do you honestly think we'd be able to go and get medicine from them just like that? For one, the moon tribe have lived in hiding for years Seto! A- " "B-but t-the m-medic-cine at the r-ruins-s -" "Seto honestly! Trying to find those isn't even worth it. Many people tried and no one even got close to finding them. What makes you think we'd be able to?"
Crow was getting impatient with the innocent naivety of his younger brother. "W-we have t-to d-do s-s-someth-thing! … M-my dad-d..." Seto's voice became so distant Crow could barley make out what he was saying.

"What?" "M-my d-dad... talk-ked about-t the m-m-oon a l-lot-t. H-he has a b-bunch of b-books." "Seto... Are you really implying that you want to go back... there?" Seto looked as though he was the lone object being hit with an earthquake. His tears flowed as quivering lips gave Crow his reply. "Y-yes... Crow... P-please I j-ust.. I-i c-can't sit h-here and d-do noth-thing... All I'm ask-king is th-that w-we g-go and lo-ok." "Seto... do you really want to go back though?" Seto's eyes had a flare of determination hinted within. "I-f it c-could help R-Ram-mone... then y-yes...Please.. Crow..." Crow was concerned about this. His little brother going back to the house of horrors and torment? That could not spell emotional meltdown out any clearer to him, but on the other hand, he knew Seto was a stubborn child and would go with or without him. "Just a look?" Seto nodded, Crow sighed heavily before responding. "Fine then, but only because I know you'd run off on your own anyway..." The two stayed with Ramone just past lunch time. Seto was eager to head out in search of some answers, hopefully.

Walking along the dirt path, kicking up dry dust with each stomping of the feet. "Seto... are you really sure this is the best idea?" Seto looked at the older teen like he was nuts. "Crow, we've got to do something. And you said it yourself, family sticks-s together in times of need. I-if we can find something to help him, wouldn't you want to try?" Crow was taken back for a second. He had not expected his brother to use his own words against him. "Fine, point made." Bringing his hands up in defeat. Seto focused his gaze on Crow, with a hint of concern. "Don't worry about me, all right?" "You say that like it's possible..." Seto bringing his head back down to look at the dusty path before making the last of the noise before reaching their destination. "Oh..."

In front of them was an old house. Paint was tattered and faded by weather, pieces had begun falling apart. The house itself looked like an old ruin completely unstable. Seto bravely trotted forward. Inside his stomach was churning and his brain was trying to suppress the memories. Herding up his out of control feelings and keeping them locked up tight in the deepest pit of his stomach adversely giving him the feeling of nausea.

Seto was the first to walk through the rubble of the front door, the smell of cigarette smoke and rotten food still lingered. Seto's body turned to ice when he walked in front of the big window revealing the doors to the cellar, a hole broken though and the crowbar laying on the ground nearby. Just as he had left it. Calling came from the distance. "Seto? …. Seto? ... Seto!" Third yell grabbing his little brother by the shoulders attempting to shake him out of his trance. "Huh?" Whipping his head away from his cage and thrusting his body back. Both boys went tumbling with the force. "Ow!" "I knew this wasn't a good idea." "I'm fine!" The young boy was getting defensive. "Did you hurt your ankle?" Seto looked up at the questioning boy. "Y-yes..." Moving the pant leg out of the way. "Why aren't you wearing your brace?" Seto's ankle was just one part of his body that had suffered long term injuries from the abusive parents. "I... umm... I..d-don't..." Realizing the brace was probably still at their home he disregarded the scolding he was going to bring about. "Never mind... It's all right."

"C-Cmon... L-let;s go... Crow?" Crow was looking outside, the back door was to the left of the giant window. The teen walked outside and towards the cellar. "C-Crow no!"Running up to him and clinging onto his arm. Planting his feet, trying to hold him back. "Just wait here." Crow felt curiously drawn to the cellar, unsure of why exactly, but he felt there was something down there he was being drawn to. Seto's knees gave out causing him to collapse on the grass as the loud creaking of the old cellar door rang out. The old memories flooded in.

An overwhelming stench plugged Crow's nose, gaging in response. Looking at the cement steps below his feet horrified by the scene of dried blood. Peering back up, from what he could see with the sunlight seeping in, the rest of the room looked like a murder scene. Various degrees of dried blood spattered about, pieces of broken glass and damaged tools dunked in more red liquid filled the area. Crates and cardboard boxes hung around the walls. Pieces of rope lay asleep on the floor amongst the mess. The chain wrapping around a support beam freaked Crow out, his stomach nearly gave back his lunch. Stepping away from what his eyes took in, tripping over a box knocking a few books off the shelf above and knocking a couple crates over. Books nailing him in the head, he grunted. Twisting his body to bring himself to his knees. Papers floated, books crashed. Reaching out for one near him, flipping through it. It was filled with photographs.

One was of a happy threesome. Carefully removing it from behind the protective plastic casing. Turning it over to see if there was any ink left on the reverse side of it. 'First time parents. Shayla' A mystery was brewing."Shayla? Who's that?" Exchanging a page from the book of pictures. A technological painting of that same baby, but this time, from an obituary. Skimming through the time warped newsprint. "Wait... those.. are Seto's parents! But that would mean... they had two kids?" Checking the date of birth and death he determined that the baby girl was barley a week old before her unfortunate end occurred. 'Seto.. had to have been born that same year...' "Crow!" Thoughts interrupted by the panicking voice of his baby brother. Shoving the pages back in and tossing the book down to the floor near the steps before rushing up them. "I'm coming!" Sunlight overtook him and he shaded his eyes instantly. Seto was in the same spot Crow had left him in, tears uncontrollably flowed from his violet eyes. "Crow? W-what were y-you... d-doin-ng down... th-there?" "Sorry.. I just..." Catching a glimpse of something in the distance. "Crow?" Sniffles still came from the smaller boy.

"What's that?" Pointing to the undetermined object. "I-I.. d-don't-t know..." Seto stammered out between his strangled tears. "I'm going to take a quick look." 'and if my thoughts are correct...' Crow started walking away when Seto's arm was magnetized to him. Crow's hand entangled itself into Seto's. Upon arrival at the item, Crow's suspicions were confirmed. It was a tombstone, a homemade one at that. The girls name was faded but enough of it was left to make it out. "Seto?" "... hnn..." "Do you have any idea who Shayla is?" Leaning forward to be at face level with Seto. "...N-no.. W-why?" "Nothing... it just... looks like a-" Loud gasping stopped Crow cold in mid sentence. Seto's body trembled, eyes widened. Backing away, eyes fixated onto the marker by some outside force. "Seto? What's wrong?" Crow was getting worried. "Nooo!" A desperate cry towards nothing.

From Seto's vision an undefined glowing white orb floated over the weather beaten cross and towards him. The world faded away all that was left was him and the mystery mist in front of him. "... Seto... Seto..." Whispering came out from the invisible plasma. "S-Stop it-t! L-Leav-ve m-me a-al-lon-ne!" "I'v... en.. wait..." A soft voice faded in and out, like an ill tuned radio. "S-stop!" "... alk... ...ther..." "Seto?" Crow's voice finally broke into Seto's tightened world. Taking off in a sprint, reentering the disaster area through the back door slamming it shut behind him. Cuddling himself into a corner gripping onto this hair with white knuckles. His right pointer knuckle placed itself into his mouth as the tears intensified.

Crow blew through the door. "Seto? What happened!" Seto cautiously scoped out the area, the colorless fog was no where to be seen. "Seto?" Hearing his name his head automatically found its way back to Crow. Lips quivering as he spoke. "Y-you... did-dn't-t s-see th-that-t?" "See what?" Crow's concern was evolving. "T-the... th-thing... I-I...I don'n't..." Circling his arms around the trembling child. "Shhh... lets take a breather, calm down first..." Loud hard coughs roared up from the boy. "You all right Seto?" A few more coughs. "I... I'll be... f-fine..." "Here, take this anyway" Removing Seto's emergency inhaler from his shorts pocket and giving it to the troubled teen who gladly took it. Within seconds his coughing fit had begun to decease and rough breathes took their place. "Maybe we should go home?" "Wha- no! L'let's j-just-t finish... p-please?" Thinking about it for a few minutes before answering. "Fine... but if you get into another coughing fit like that, I'm taking you home..." Seto weakly grinned. "Th-thank you." Crow did not often show his soft side, but Seto found it every time and played against it well.

The brothers decided to move on and scurried out of the room, up the stairs they ran. Crow close behind the leader. The older boy caught the glimpse of a partially opened door. He stopped to push on it, only to have the wooden plank fall from its hinges and smack onto the floor. "That use to be my room..." Startling Crow, he jumped and twirled around to face the boy of brown hair as the dust settled. Breathing loudly he turned around to take a better look. "Then... why is there a crib in here? It looks like a nursery..." "I don't know... that was... j-just kinda al-always there..."

There was an old wooden rocker that had seen better days, various strings of rope and bandannas strewn about. A couple of broken toys and a brown bear with stuffing hanging out sat in the room as well. "Mr. Bear!" Rushing past Crow to where the bear in serious need of some love laid in the room. Gently picking him up and bringing him back to the guardian. "Mr. Bear was my friend wh-when I was a kid." "Looks like he's seen better days." Seto's smile faded. "Yeah... do you think M-Mrs. Trew c-could fix him-m?" Crow grinned at his little brother. "I'm sure she could if you asked." Seto's mouth turned upwards. "Should w-we go find-d those books n-now? C'mon." Marching forward once again and following the cob webbed path down the hall. Crow's thoughts danced around in his head. 'This place is a horror show, can't even imagine all what poor Seto had to go through...'

"Seto.. when you said your dad had some books... that was putting it lightly!" Crow's jaw fell limp when he saw the rows of books in the library. "Well.. I w-wasn't-t in h-here m-much-ch..." "It's all right, let's just start sorting through." They each took a side and started skimming through book titles, anything that sounded interesting or related to their investigation. A few long hours had passed since there search began. They found a few useful facts they jotted down on a pad of paper found within the nearby desk drawer.

'Badump' A loud crashing appeared out of no where. Seto gasped, Crow tensed. Another loud stomping followed suit. "Seto, we need to find a hiding spot. Now!" Taking his little brother by the arm, showing him out of the room that lacked any good hiding spots. "There!" Seto pointed in the direction of a room just down the hall. Rushing inside, tablet clenched tightly in Crow's hand and Mr. Bear held within Seto's.

The room Seto picked out had a large window with an equally large bed in front of it. The sheets were a mess and thrown about the room some only half laying dormant upon the undisturbed bed, curtains partially fallen from the rod, a few small weapons fallen upon the floor. A couple hunting guns kept locked up in a chest. Thudding of footsteps tromping up the stairs told the duo to hurry. "Under the bed." Crow whispered his orders to the younger teen. Seto quickly obeyed, and crawled under the bed with Crow following right after. He pushed Seto's body as close to the wall as he could before pressing his into Seto's. Hoping that if even if the intruder did find them, they would focus more on him and not see his younger brother. Seto's whimpering and heavy breathing broke out again. Crow placed one hand tightly around Seto's lips and the other arm bent around to grab a hand.

The door to the room swung open whamming into the wall. Seto jolted with the impact squeezing Crow's hand. "I know there are two little kids hiding in this house right now." Crow's eyes widened and Seto's grip got tighter. Both recognized the voice immediately, it belonged to the same attacker from the previous night. Crow's body relaxed hearing him exit the room. Knowing that the beating lead only to the next room he found it wise to stay in their position. Staying underneath the dark cavern for what seemed like forever before the thundering clap of a deep voice rang out again. "Do you kiddies really think you can find the moon ruins? Ha! You're a riot." Slamming a book down near the bed, Seto managed to allow a muffled squeal seep between Crow's heavily wound fingers. Covers flew away tossing the late day sun within the cave. "Ahh!" Crow was taken out of his hiding spot letting go of Seto who followed after his beloved brother anyway. Dropping their clue notes on the way out.

"What are you little brats up to?" Catching Crow at the neck and pinning his upper body to the bed. Crow's arm reflectively attempted to pry the man from his throat. His hand cut off part of the teens air intake. "Why … should we... tell you... anything" Gasping for oxygen between each word. Seto huddled in the back corner eating his knuckle again. "C-Crow..." Water filled his eyes. "Everything... will be all... right kid" Crow's voice had become strained, almost evaporating. "Don't be so sure on that." Picking out a large knife and relocating it from its holster. "Why don't you c'mere kid." Lifting the knife to face the trembling youth. Eyes widened with horror. "C'mere!" Slowly shuffling his feet forward, heartache intensifying with each movement. Thrusting the child down to the ground by his shoulder length brown hair. "I did a bit of research on you..." Grabbing the child around the chin, thumb on one side squeezing his hand tightly around the boy's soft cheeks. Pulling his head up for a clear look at the child's face. Seto could not pull off anything other than his usual terrified quakes. "W-what?" Crow was inquisitive. 'What could he possible have dug up on Seto? He's such an innocent kid.' "That mark, your half a moon clan, and half sun. The fun I could have abusing your powers." Maniacal laughter ensued.

"P-...p-powers?" The first words Seto was able to utter out. "Don't tell me you don't know yours?" Seto stared at the glaring man, jaw ajar shakily. Before either teen was given the time to react bold music crashed into the room followed by some growling. "You have the absolute worst timing!" Releasing the strangle from Crow's throat without allowing him to move from his spot. Releasing his cellular phone from his pocket before shoving it back down. "Yous two got lucky. I'll have to come after you some other time. Should watch your backs I know where yous two live, and I know where you're staying. Of course, if you kiddies do decide to go after the moon ruins well... heh, you'd be off to a good start." The intruder still gripped one hand tightly onto Seto's face. Thrusting his arm forward with a mighty blow Seto's head crashed into the worn floor "Ahh!" Groans faded as Seto's vision blackened until his world turned desolate.

Eyes squinted against the silver lining of the moonlight dripping in from the large window. Feeling hair being brushed away from his face as fingers came back around to stroke the side of his cheek. "...Hn..." Pained whines exited the boy's lips. "...et... Se.o... Seto... " Crow's voice finally tuned into his ears, finally reacting to the third calling of his name. "Cr... Crow?" Placing his arms in proper positioning to bring himself to a sitting pose. "Just wait..." Gently pushing his shoulders so he would not sit up. "H-huh?" entwining his own fingers within Seto's. "Hows your head feeling?" The throbbing pain was near unbearable, but not wanting Crow to know just how bad it hurt he did want to dish out the whole truth. "F-fine..." Crow rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I'll let you know when I believe that, seriously Seto, just tell me." "Umm..." Shifting his eyes around. "I-it... h-hurts..." Seto was not very good at disguising his pain as it was. "Wh-what..." "Shh... save your strength right now. You took a pretty nasty blow to the head. I did call Mrs. Trew a bit ago, she said she was on her way." Seto looked at him curiously. "O-only a … b-bit... ago?" Crow's face burned a bright red, caught off guard hoping he would not have to lose his normal composure. "Umm.. y-yeah, I kinda... panicked a bit." Facing away from the child laying on the floor. Weak giggling came from the boy.

Giving away his arm to the black headed teen, Crow supported his back with the other guiding the youth into a proper sitting posture. Leaning his body into his brothers tears reentered the stream. "Wh..." "What's up kiddo?" Seto played with the sleeve of Crow's shirt a bit. "Mr. Bear? C-can I... t-tak-ke him h-home?" Sending his arm forth for the mentioned bear retrieving it after the clasp of the stuffed animal was secure. "Here." The child teen gratefully held his bear close to him. "I'm going to take you downstairs now, so we can wait for Mrs. Trew." Cradling the young boy in his arms, lifting him up from the old wood flooring with a grunt and hauling his precious cargo to the front door of the rickety house. Was not long before the humming of Mrs. Trew's vehicle was in front of the structure.

"Boys! You you should know better then to have come here!" Rushing to the aide of the injured. Seto wriggled the stuffed toy in his hands. "I-it.. it was m-my-" Crow cut him off, desiring to change the subject. "Do you think you'd be able to fix Seto's bear?" "Hun, I could fix a stuffed toy in the blink of an eye, what I can't do is fix either of you." Kindly warning the two of the danger they put themselves in. Engraving his face into Crow's shirt, hiding from the guilt he felt. Seto was well aware none of this would have happened if he had not convinced Crow to come to the place of horrid recollections. Mrs. Trew let out a sigh. "C'mon, time for yous two to come home." Carrying Seto into the car before driving away down that old dirt road.

Once back and safely out of hearing distance of their kind neighbor Seto found the courage to talk to his brother about what had been plaguing his mind since the start of the man's rampage. "Wh-what do you th-think that man wants-s?" "You know... I really don't know kiddo... but whatever he wants it seems to have to do with you though.." The younger child nuzzled up against Crow's body. Knowing full well the man who tried to kill Ramone wanted something from him, not understanding scared him. "So.. w-... w—were not s-saf-fe h-here then... A-are we?" Crow began running his fingers through the hair of the frightened child. "I know... I'm just... not sure what to do right now... I'm sorry Seto." Crow's words earned him a worried and questioning look from Seto. "W-what?" "Never mind..."

Before Seto could utter out another word sharp knocks came from the wooden door of the spare bedroom. Sounds of grinding hinges chimed perfectly with the swift movement of the rectangular surface. "Seto honey, look what I've got!" Revealing the stuffed toy from behind her back. Seto jumped excitedly "Mr. Bear!" Running over to his beloved toy and snagging it from Mrs. Trew before returning to his spot by Crow. Looking back up at Mrs. Trew. Shyly speaking up. "Th-thank y-you." She walked over and kissed the top of both boy's heads. "Your welcome honey. I'm going to go start some dinner now." After the thudding of footsteps heading down the stairs had ceased Seto started another conversation with Crow.

"Am... Am I... p-putt-ting M-Mr.s Tr-trew in … d-danger b-by being h-here?" Crow's eyes moved about the room racking his brain to find the words to speak the truth and comfort his frightened sibling. "C-Crow?" Deciding he would have to say something at this point. Something was better than nothing after all, right? "I'm not sure Seto... I suppose if he does want something he will be back..." Throwing himself into the black haired teen and digging a spot in his chest to place his face in. Drenching the clean fabric. "I'm scared!" Caressing his fingers up and down the hysteric back of the boy while trying to console Seto. "Shhh, I know." "I-I.. D-don't... want-t h-her... h-hurt..." "I know... I don't want that to happen either..." Seto's breathing starting to become sporadic again. "Wh-what if... w-we l-left-t t-town? T-to... go lo-look for... m-medic-cine?" Crow sighed. "Seto... I'm really not sure what to do honestly... If we stay here, the man knows where we're at... on the other hand, if we leave well... what's our chance of survival? And we have an even slimmer chance of even finding the moon ruins..." "But..." Crow looked at the young boy knowing he would argue for him to try but Crow wanted reassurance that going out to chase some fantasy dream would be the right decision for the both of them. "Can w-we a-at least... b-bring Ramone... M-Mr. B-Bear-r?" Finally, Seto asked an easy question. "Yeah."

Leaving immediately the next morning after letting their temporary caretaker know where they would be. "We can't stay long Seto, Mrs. Trew said she'd she doesn't want us out that long today." "I know." Quickly rushing to Ramone's room the area looked like it had not changed since their visit the previous morning. The beeping had not quickened, the wires still seeping into his skin and the corresponding machines. Cautiously laying the bear by Ramone's head. Kissing his check before speaking "Mr. Bear will watch over you. I love you Ramone." Crow leaned over and whispered into Ramone's ear as well before the two sulkily exited the room.

"You ok Seto?" Crow was unnerved, worrying about the trembling blue coat walking next to him in steady rhythm. "I-I'll … I'll be f-fine." Crow unsatisfied with the answer, something was bothering Seto and Crow was going to figure it out this time. "I don't buy that." Lifting a knuckle to offer to his mouth. The golden eyed teenager spun in front of the nervous wreck of a child. Placing a hand on each of his shoulders to hold him in place. Violet eyes squinted shut as the tears unraveled. "Seto, why don't ya tell me whats wrong?" Bending down so that they could be at eye level with each other. Opening soaked eyes, water gleamed extravagantly off the early days sunshine. "I... I feel... u-uneas-sy..." "Uneasy? Uneasy about what?" Crow looked him straight in the eyes concern for him growing and shining through. "I... It... hrmm..." Rattling metal and worn out brakes were heard behind the two. Out of the corner of his eye, Crow could see enough of the figure hidden within the glass casing to know they should getting out of the area. Briskly grabbing Seto's arm and pushing his body forward. Quietly warning. "Don't speak, just move."

Slamming of a car door had hinted to Crow that if they were going to have any chance of getting somewhere safer, it was almost gone. The booming roar of a gun shot stopped them dead in their tracks.

Made yous wait long enough for the chapter huh? haha

I did try and make this chapter a bit longer for you guys. So nice, wasn't it?

But I suppose it wasn't really much of a cliff hanger in the last chapter, unless you didn't read the description.

Anyway, have fun with this chapter ending as well :D