The former Guardians spent the next two hours sitting in the Hinamoris' living room, listening to Ikuto talk about the huge increase of X-eggs and children with empty hearts.
"X-eggs aren't the only things that I encountered," Ikuto said," I ran into Lulu while I was in France. She told me about a kid she had met whose egg followed him around. It wasn't a Shugo Chara egg or an X-egg. It was black, but translucent."
"I've never heard of that kind of egg," Tadase stated.
"Me either. I didn't believe her until I saw it for myself".
"Do you know what caused that?", Rima asked.
"I have a hunch. Back when Easter was hunting for the Embryo, there were many projects in place. Nikaido, Utau, Lulu, and me. But there was another one that never was put into action. Since it was never used, the people involved in that project became enraged. Project Dream Catcher was the final trump card, if the plan with me somehow failed. Hikaru fired the trio that was supposed to succeed me: Kaori, Yuki, and Hayate. But just recently they added another, Hotaru.
" I should also add that they had X's put on their eggs when they were younger and they use that power to extract not only the X-eggs but I believe the strange black ones as well."
Ikuto took a sip of tea and sighed. He looked at the others then at Amu. For the next few minutes, no one spoke they all sat in silence. Of course, true to her nature, Yaya chara changed and ended the tense silence by flailing her arms and legs.
"Yaya, you shouldn't do that with a skirt on," Rima scolded.
"I'm wearing shorts underneath so it's all good," Yaya reassured her.
"So what do we do now? Go hunting for x-eggs?" Kukai suggested.
"Sorry, but my mother wanted me to go grocery shopping since I suddenly have free time," Rima said.
"Same here, except it's my older bro that wants me to do the shopping. Tadase, he wants you to come along with me because you remember things better than I do," Kukai laughed.
"I have to instruct a dancing class for my mother this afternoon," Nagihiko said.
"Aww…. I have to do boring chores at home. Amu-chii wanna help?" Yaya asked.
"I have my own chores to do plus shopping. Sorry," Amu said.
Everyone said their good-byes and left. Amu went to the fridge and took down the grocery list. Ikuto sauntered up behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Eek! Ikuto!", Amu screamed.
"So, I heard that Tadase broke up with you," he said casually.
"I wouldn't call it breaking up-" Amu started.
"They decided together that they shouldn't date anymore," Dia said cheerfully.
"Dia!"
Dia giggled. Ikuto raised his eyebrow. He grabbed the grocery list out of Amu's hand.
"What are you doing?"
"Going grocery shopping. I have to do my part. Besides the last time you left me alone in your house, we sort of made a mess." Ikuto glanced at Yoru, who lowered his head.
"Whatever. Just go."
Amu walked over to the closet and pulled out the vacuum. Ikuto left Amu to do her chores in peace. Ran and Dia dusted the bookshelves. Amu stopped to watch them with a sad smile on her face. That reminds me of when we were spring cleaning in the Royal Garden, she thought. Suu.
"Amu-chan, we're done," Ran announced.
"Me too." Amu glanced at the clock. 2:00.
"Ikuto's taking a long time," Dia said.
As if on cue, Ikuto walked in the front door with his arms full of groceries. Amu started laughing at the sight of him.
"What?"
"I'm sorry. This kind of thing just doesn't seem to fit you. I mean, sure you used to repay me with a bag full of stuff, but you never seemed to be the kind of guy that would walk home with his arms full of groceries."
"He got everything on the list. Be grateful-nya," Yoru said.
"Gomen, gomen. Let's get this put away before I go pick up Ami," Amu said, taking a couple of bags.
