(A/N: this chapter would be unserious so don't worry on some suspense…enjoy with my regards! ^_^)
Saga 3: Tricky grip
6:30 pm ~Shibuya Streets~
The chosen children were running without knowing what their true purpose is…well, except for Takuya who was called by someone…
Izumi: where are we going, Takuya? Especially, why are we running in the middle of early winter?
Takuya: just run! I have no time to explain it all one by one, got me? Junpei, call kouichi and hurry up!
Junpei: but why?
Takuya: can you just do it? We're in the middle of something important and kouichi's going to be here!
Junpei: o…ok…
Junpei looked for kouichi's number as he flipped his own phone and dialed it…
Takuya: is it ringing?
Junpei: yeah…
Someone picks up the phone…
Kouichi: kimura speaking, hello?
Junpei: hey, kouichi!
Suddenly, Takuya snatched the phone from junpei….
Takuya: give me that! Hello, kouichi?
Kouichi: Takuya? What's wrong? You all seemed to be in a hurry…
Takuya: kouichi, listen carefully! Run as fast as you can heading to the shibuya main hospital!
Kouichi: shibuya main hospital?
Takuya: you know…? Where you were declared as dead for 5 minutes or less?
Kouichi: oh…I remember…but why there? I'm really going somewhere else today…
Takuya: so you don't care if kouji's going to die unless we come to support him?
Kouichi: what are you-? Kouji's dying? You're kidding me…
Takuya: do I sound like I'm joking? We know that there's something wrong between you and kouji…but can you put your pride aside and be there for him? Just only to support him?
Kouichi: but Takuya…I'm sure he doesn't want to see me…it might even worsen his condition if I show up…
Takuya: don't be such a prided jerk, kouichi! Everyone knows that twins aren't supposed to be separated, it might result much sufferings to each other…I'm begging you kouichi…
Kouichi: demo…
Takuya: just for this once…
It never concerned him when it comes to this but it was really alarming to know that your love one is in critical condition…what will he preside on? Pride or Concern?
What? Pride…or concern…your decision…if you decide to preside on pride, a life will be lost.
But…if you choose on concern, your burden will disappear and even though he doesn't care, you'll be free from the nagging conscience….think fast kouichi!
Takuya: kouichi! Are you still there? C'mon! I know you're still angry but please think before someone dies!
Kouichi had no other choices…he hung up Just as Takuya can blurt another word…
Takuya: shimatta! Why? In all the times we need you! Come on guys! We need to hurry, kouji needs our support even without kouichi!
All: Un!
And they went running….
6:31 pm ~Kimura residence~
Kouichi was really in a hurry but just then…
Kouichi: but…he said he doesn't need me…why do I bother…
Tomoko: I don't know what's bothering you but…if this person is really important…you should never let anyone or anything block your way when it comes to worrying…
Kouichi: h-how did you…?
Tomoko: it's just like what I always say…mother's instincts never fails when it comes to children problems…
Kouichi hugged Tomoko and whispered;
Kouichi: thank you mom…you're the greatest…[then releases] I'll be going!
As he head for the door…
Tomoko: just remember to be careful, 'kay?
Kouichi: okay…love you!
Tomoko: love you too, honey!
Then kouichi went off running out the cold breeze…..
6:50 pm ~Shibuya main hospital~
Nurse: doctor, the boy is losing too much blood!
Doctor: we need a blood donor!
As the doctor struggled to keep a dying kouji alive…his breathing were becoming shallow every minute…it's not much of a time to find a blood donor at this rate…
Nurse: but doctor…the donors had not match the boy's blood type…what are we going to do?
Doctor: let's just pray that this boy will survive until a miracle comes…
Awhile, outside the operating room…
Izumi: Takuya…
Tomoki: do you think kouichi-niisan…
Takuya:[punches the wall] WHY? Why is it got to be kouji? Why not take me instead?
Junpei: will you calm down? Kouji's not dead! Got it? Let's pray that he's fighting like us…and can still hold up until a miracle comes…
Just then…speaking of miracles…
Izumi: kouichi-kun?
Tomoki: kouichi-niisan?
Junpei: A prayer has been answered!
Kouichi:[approaches the group with a huff] where's kouji?
Takuya: he's inside still struggling…we thought you will not come…
Kouichi: well…it's the time for me to think maturely…being a "prided jerk" is a childish act, am I right? So I've decided to change and learn to forgive than to gain!
Junpei: that's more like it!
They cheered and smiled for the very first time since they came in the hospital fields…
Takuya: anyway…I saw this box [lifts a well-decorated box] I was surprised to see that it belongs to you, kouichi!
Kouichi: to me? From whom?
Takuya: if I'm not mistaken…it's from kouji…
Kouichi: from kouji? But that's Impossible!
Tomoki: maybe he's really not angry at what happened…he just wants to apologize but ended up like this…
Junpei: I've got a nagging feeling that Tomoki's idea was quite right…
Takuya: yeah…I can feel it too…let's pray that kouji is still in one piece as he is…
The tense went back to the group and it even rised when the nurse came out of the operating room…
Nurse: you're friends with the patient, right?
They nodded…
Nurse: Nurse: I'm afraid that your friend will have to let go if no one's going to donate blood with type O…I'm willing to help you children out but it's much to my reach…I can't find anyone who has a rare blood type like he does…
Tomoki: um…nurse? Actually, someone arrived just awhile ago…
Nurse: someone?
Her eyes surveyed the children and saw kouichi…her eyes were already sparkling with hope…
Nurse: are you a friend of the patient, dear?
Kouichi: [shook's head] no…I'm his twin brother…
Nurse: goodness gracious! A miracle indeed…you're type O right?
Kouichi: yes…I'm willing to donate my blood even if it causes my life…
Determination stroked them as kouichi said those words…the nurse almost cried and went to take kouichi with her to the operating room…
He was instructed to roll up his sleeves and was injected…he requested that he would be forgiven to have his bed near to kouji, just enough to reach his brother's hands…
The nurse, being so kind, pushed his bed next to kouji and went to complete the process…the injection was taking its toll…his eyes were drooping…the only thing he can remember before he closed his eyes was the soft question of the nurse and the last words he said;
I'll be always ready just for you, kouji….
Then everything went black…
7:00 pm ~room 133, minamoto~
The soft blinding light partially blinded kouji as he tried to open his eyes…
Is this heaven? Why do I hear familiar voices?
There were familiar voices talking to each other…things don't seemed right…a heavy weight was weighing his left hand…suppose they are something that will be required in heaven?
Kouji managed to open his eyes entirely only to find himself looking straight at the white ceiling of the hospital…confusement filled kouji's head with so many questions…he tried to get up but couldn't, until footsteps immediately went towards him and gently pushed him back to his pillows it was by time when he realized who those people was…
Kouji: Takuya? Izumi? Tomoki? Junpei?
They smiled.
Takuya: feeling alright buddy?
Izumi: oh…we're so worried! I thought you're going to leave us…
Kouji: L…leave you? Could be…but why am I here? What happened to me?
Tomoki: don't remember?
Kouji shook his head…
Kouji: nah…everything is so fuzzy…can't remember a thing…
Junpei: It's better you don't remember…
Kouji: but why?
Takuya: just like Junpei said, It's better you don't know…
Kouji: I see…[Looks at right side] Wait…
His vision was still blurry due to being light-headed, He blinked and was surprised to see that it was none other than his twin brother, Kouichi!
Kouji: Wha-? What is he doing here?
The chosens looked at the direction of Kouichi's bed and they smiled.
Kouji: why are you smiling?
Takuya: well…
They were a bit hesitant but due to sheer effort, Izumi tried to explain.
Izumi: Hoping you would understand…We know that you're still angry at Kouichi…but…
Takuya: But we think you should let go of that anger now…
Kouji: Are you Jerks? He's the one who started it and told me he don't care what happens to me! Then you will say that I let go of my anger? That's preposterous!
They stared at him with disbelief. It was much harder than Kouichi…Takuya was beginning to have doubts. Izumi can't think of anything. Junpei was speechless and Tomoki was confused.
Things that are meant to be okay, became much worse than they thought.
Takuya:[hesitates] w…we know that you're still livid with what happened…[smirks] of course, who would not be angry about that? Imagine that a person very close to you; let alone a twin brother, say those words to you…I understand what you feel…
Izumi: [smiles] Takuya's right…if my twin said those kind of words to me, I'll be angry for sure…though…[giggles] I don't have any twin that is…
They chuckled at the thought. It was enough to lessen the tensed aura inside the room. Surely enough, Kouji's anger went down due to the smile that was placed on his pale face.
Junpei: does that feel better?
Kouji:[gasps] B-better?
Now he understand…they were worried that he is in pain with all the anger that he's been feeling…they were just making him feel happy and much better…he smiled.
Kouji: yes…thank you very much…I'm sorry if I made you worry…
Takuya:[Grins] that's nothing…we're always here to help!
Tomoki: that's what friends are for, right?
Kouji:[smiles widely] yeah…you're right…
For a moment, the chosen children forgot about their true 'mission' and it made Kouji feel a bit ease.
Maybe they're right…it maybe is the time to forgive…I understand if he doesn't forgive me…after all what I said, I think I deserve it…
Though, Kouji thought wrong. The others still haven't forgotten their true intention…
Junpei: so…are you ready to forgive?
It made him gasped…he really thought they forgot it…I guess there's no other choice…
Kouji:[smiles lazily] I guess I don't have any choices, right? You're going to annoy me for all eternity if I don't jump to any decisions…
The group grinned shyly…
Kouji: well…alright…
They jumped in happiness…their mission has been accomplished! It was a matter of time when Kouji took a glance at his right hand.
Kouji: hey…guys?
The chosens looked at kouji.
Takuya: Nani ga?
Kouji: kouichi was holding my hand for how long?
Confusion filled the air. Kouji hadn't felt a thing since he woke up…how come kouichi's hand found its way to his hand? It even made him more confused when the chosens giggled…
Kouji: what? Why are you all giggling?
Junpei: actually we don't know for how long…
Tomoki: but we're sure it's pretty long. Starting from the time they took you both out of the ER up to now.
Kouji: so you're saying Kouichi's been clutching my hand since he came in the ER? And what time is it exactly?
Junpei: he arrived…hmm…6:35 to be exact…it's pretty hard to calculate, really…
Takuya: see? He cared for you so much!
Izumi: and let us tell you, He is the one who gave you an extentional life…
Kouji: 'extentional' life?
Tomoki: he donated half of his own blood to you…you were losing too much blood that it will only take a miracle for you to live…
Izumi: but he came… [looks at kouichi] he was really willing to donate his own blood for you…and FYI; he liked your gift!
Kouji: gift? [Gasps] The cookie house!
They nodded. It was quite amusing…how did Kouichi found out that it was from him? He didn't even write his name on the card…it was confusing! It took a lot of thinking before he figured that he wrote kouichi's name with his typical and obvious hand writing! He's sure the others also noticed it…
Takuya: hello? Earth to Kouji? Are you there?
Kouji snapped out of his deep trance and looked at his friends…friends who are always there for him when he needed them…
Kouji:[smiles] thank you…
Takuya and the others blinked in confusion…
Junpei: why are you thanking us?
Kouji: For making me realize something that my heart and mind kept arguing about…
Those were some deep words and it even became deeper when they came from 'the wolf of light'…Kouji Minamoto.
He kept smiling and it confirmed that he's not troubled anymore…a little later; the same nurse came in to check Kouji. Junpei even joked her about Kouji's condition but seemed to be not the nice joke to say. But, Everything was fine and she indicated that there's nothing to worry about. Though, Tomoki's curiosity got the better of him and asked the nurse;
Tomoki: is it normal if Kouichi-niisan sleeps more than Kouji-niisan?
Nurse: Well, it depends on the person. But in Mr. Kimura's case, it's normal…anyone would be very weak after almost giving half of his blood…just let him sleep. He'll wake up in within 2 days or less.
Junpei: so that's how it is…
Nurse:[Smiles] I'll be back later, bye!
The group nodded and bid the nurse a good bye as she closed the door.
Takuya: you made the nurse worry, Junpei!
Junpei: what did I do?
Kouji: you Pighead! You said I'm suffering from extreme headache and I'm palpitating! You noticed that the nurse went pale right?
Izumi: she's worried! If a patient dies in her care she'll be fired! You know that do you?
Junpei was really red this time and what they said was true…it actually horrified the nurse…they were going to shoot another scolding when another knock came…
Takuya: come in!
The door opened to reveal a girl and a boy. The girl was the same age as they are; with short brown hair, brownish ruby eyes, wore a pink winter coat with a fuchsia scarf complete with a white furry bonnet. While, the man beside her is also the same age as they are; he has quite messy blonde hair topped with a white hat, he has bright sapphire eyes and wore a green long sleeved sweatshirt over-topped with a white vest, he has it complete with grey pants that suits him perfectly. The gang recognized them immediately.
? : I think we're disturbing…
Junpei: Hikari! Takeru!
Izumi: no no! You're not disturbing! We're just having some things discussed…come in!
The two came in…
Izumi: anyways, how did you…?
Hikari: headline of the news.
Takeru: Yamato-niichan told me and immediately went here…
Hikari: How is he? I'm so shocked to see it…they got it on camera…it was so horrible…
Takuya: don't worry. He's fine…the nurse dropped by earlier and he's out of critical condition right now as well as Kouichi!
Takeru: nande? What happened to Kouichi?
Tomoki: we forgot to tell you! Kouichi-niisan is Kouji-niisan's blood donor…
Junpei: Kouji was in the brink of death when he came and it was really a miracle kouji was saved…
Hikari: really? He did that!
Izumi: believe it or not but he really did it!
Hikari: I admit, he is so brave like oniichan!
Takeru: yeah, you're right!
Hikari brought out a basket of fruits from her back and handed them to Izumi,
Hikari: it's for kouji…it might help for speeding up his recovery…my regards…
Takeru:[takes out basket too] I also brought foods and fruits…my best regards for his recovery!
Izumi: they're so many! Arigatou!
Kouji: arigatou,
Hikari: Kouji!
Takeru: You're awake all this time!
Kouji: yeah, I don't want to interrupt so I kept quiet…
Hikari: that was amusing…so Kouichi's awake too?
As Hikari looked over Kouichi's bed…
Junpei: no…He's really asleep…
Takeru: oh…Anyways, how are you?
Kouji: Tch…I'm getting fed up with that question…just ask them [points to Takuya ]
Takuya: ehehe…Well, as you can see, he's alright if you ask me!
Izumi: too obvious is it?
Hikari: Yeah…
Takeru: looks like it…
Hikari: I happened to notice…it's kind of sweet that brothers like you two are holding hands…not that it matters but I just accidentally saw it…
Kouji blushed lightly and the gang laughed…
Kouji: HEY! Don't forget that I don't even know that he was clutching my hand while the treatment was going on!
Hikari: treatment?
Takeru: so you mean he's been in that position for almost an hour or so?
Takuya: y-yeah…he has a pretty tight grip on Kouji's hand and we can't dare to remove it…
Before anyone could answer, Kouichi sneezed that startled everyone…
Junpei: I thought he's going to turn or wake up in a sudden…
Izumi: think again Junpei! Kouichi's gonna tu-! Oh no!
Tomoki: what-? Nande!
Izumi: are you out of your heads? If Kouichi turns to the other side…
Hikari:[in panic] He'll make Kouji fall from his bed!
Boys: NANI!
Takuya: Hurry! Stop Kouichi from turning!
As they struggle to push the unconscious man to his previous side…
Takeru: why don't you just pull Kouji's hand from Kouichi's hand?
Tomoki: we told you! We can't dare! We might injure him or so!
Izumi: guys! Don't be so harsh!
Hikari: Izumi-chan's right…pls. don't overdo it Takeru-kun!
Takeru: Yeah, I know…Don't worry Hikari-chan.
After almost likely…5 minutes I suppose…the boys slumped down on the floor while others on the nearby couch, the girls sighed in relief.
Takuya: That was a lot of work!
Takeru: you can say that again…it was so hard to keep Kouichi from turning…
Tomoki: But otherwise, Kouji-niisan would get hurt if we didn't do that right?
Takuya: Tomoki's right…are you alright Kouji?
Kouji: yeah…it didn't hurt me at all…Thanks.
Takuya: That's nothing, Anyone would surely do that for a friend like you!
Kouji smiled at the statement… Then, Hikari glanced at her watch…it indicated 7:30 pm.
Hikari: oh no! it's late…I need to go home…otherwise, my parents would not let me go out again…
Kouji: I understand…Odaiba is a bit far from here…
Hikari: Don't worry, I'll visit again tomorrow…I promise.
Kouji: oh, that's not necessary…it's alright if you don't visit tomorrow…I might be ruining your schedules…
Hikari: Oh no no…it's fine! You're not ruining anything! I promise we'll visit tomorrow, right Takeru-kun?
Takeru:[nods] Sure! Count us on that!
Hikari:[half-way out the door] Bye! Have a good night's sleep!
Takeru:[half-way out the door] yup! Don't overstress yourselves, 'kay? Sleep early!
Izumi: We will! Bye!
As the two went out of the door and closed it gently…
Izumi: I suppose all of you to bed then?
Takuya: But it's only 7:38! And where are we gonna sleep?
Junpei: I'm also hungry…we can't sleep in a hungry stomach, you know…
Izumi: I know that! I guess the foods Takeru and Hikari brought are enough for us…
Takuya: What about the the slumber problem?
Izumi: I'll request some extra blankets and pillows…but I get to sleep on the couch! I'm allergic to dusts…
Tomoki: me too…I can't sleep when the surface is hard…
Takuya:[scratches head] well…alright…that leaves us both on the floor then?
Junpei: That would sound fair…I'm used to sleeping on the floor anyway…
Izumi went to unwrap the foods in the baskets…
Izumi: Here, [passes the food over]
Takuya: What about Kouji?
Izumi: That's not a problem! I'll take care of that…[finishes distributing, walks over to Kouji] Don't leave any food okay? That's all we got…
Boys (except the twins): Hai-Hai!
Izumi:[Holds up a pie] Open up~!
Kouji: You know Izumi…[blushes] You don't have to this…
Izumi: Just eat, you need to rest to restore your full strength!
Kouji:[Blushes] O-ok…
7:50 pm ~Yagami residence~
Taichi: So how is he?
Hikari: who? Kouji-kun? Why do you ask? You don't even know him right?
Taichi: you thought I don't know him? He is Kouji Minamoto, Ne? the one who wears a bandanna and a blue Jacket, am I right?
Hikari: y-yeah…and?
Taichi: I'm not that nosy but I kind of heard that his twin brother, Kouichi Kimura, donated almost half of his blood just to restore the blood Kouji lost…that's kind of plenty…is the latter alright?
Hikari: well…they're both alright…rest is all they need. But how did you know that?
Taichi: So you didn't encounter Daisuke…
Hikari: of course not! Why would we encounter Daisuke-kun there?
Taichi: oh…so you haven't read the mail that arrived this morning…?
Hikari: No…Why?
Taichi: Jun's in the same hospital Kouji's in…
Hikari: What? Nande?
Taichi: She's sick…I think it was 'Typoid Fever'…or at least it was…
Hikari: I don't get it…how did you know about the twins' condition?
Taichi: Yamato and I went there to visit Jun!
Hikari: So that's why! But we didn't see you there…and you went home ahead of me…
Taichi: We passed the twins' room but you were all seemed to be busy because of all the commotion we heard…
Hikari: Oh, that…I remember [remembers the previous happening] Anyways, what's gotten into you two and you decided to visit Jun-neesan?
Taichi: Oh, That? Well…he…he…he…it's just that-
Hikari: Never mind…[smiles secretly] o'll keep your answer as a secret, don't worry!
Taichi: What? I didn't give any answer! What do you mean Hikari?
But Hikari was half-way up the stairs…
Taichi: Hey, Hikari!
Hikari: Nooothiiing! [Continues to go upstairs] don't mind me!
Taichi: Hey, C'mon! [Follows Hikari] What do you mean by that?
Ok! Finally, saga 3 done! I should have finished this a long time ago but due to some matters I kind of forgot it…well not that much…people keep encouraging me to update it so it's not like I forgot it totally. I'm just being lazy and I'm more concentrated on doing some stories in my notebooks…That's why I'm not into it that much.
Anyway, you might find this chapter a bit long. I edited this too much and added some conversations that are not really in the plotted story…it just comes to me when I type it.
I promise, this next chapter will be really from the notebook but I can't assure you that I won't edit some sentences that are a bit wrong. Who can blame me for it? I'm in grade 6 that time and I'm lacking of experiences. I would be dumb if I don't correct it when I'm more experienced now…ne?
Well, enjoy the next chapter! I will not be a big spoiler but you might find this a bit exciting…the original climax will start here. Chapter 4 will be the root to all the happenings that will follow in the next chapters! Happy reading! Ja Ne!